China: The Global Leader in Clean Energy
Abstract
China invested $625B in clean energy in 2024—31% of global total. The country doubled its wind/solar capacity to 1,408 GW, produces 39% of world's solar power, and drove battery costs down 40%.
In 2024, China invested $625 billion in clean energy. This was 31% of the global total of $2,033 billion spent by all countries combined. This significant investment underscores China's commitment to leading the transition to sustainable energy.
The results of this investment are staggering. China's wind and solar capacity more than doubled from 2021 to 2024. It grew from approximately 635 GW to 1,408 GW. This growth demonstrates the country's commitment to renewable energy. In the first half of 2025, growth in clean energy outpaced growth in electricity demand, resulting in a 2% decrease in fossil fuel usage during the first half 2025.
China's electrification of its economy has continued to grow. In 2023, electricity accounted for 32% of its consumption, compared to 24% in both the United States and the European Union. The electrification, along with increasing clean energy generation, positions China to further reduce its reliance on fossil fuels across transportation, heating, and industrial sectors.
China has determined that excessive dependence on hydrocarbons is harmful to its energy security and economic stability. The country's growing energy production reflects its understanding. In 2024, China generated approximately 9,418 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity from all sources, with an increasing proportion coming from renewable energy. That year, the US produced around 4,600 TWh. China now generates 39% of the world's solar electricity, solidifying its position as the global leader in solar energy.
Energy Storage
Between 2023 and 2024, the price of battery technology decreased by 40%, falling to $165 per kilowatt-hour. These price decreases have made renewable energy more practical and economically viable for everyone. Energy storage solves the intermittency challenges associated with solar and wind power. China's investments in battery manufacturing and deployment have been instrumental in driving down these costs, benefiting clean energy projects worldwide.
Conclusion
China's leadership in clean energy extends far beyond its borders. The country's surplus production has driven down costs for solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries for the entire world, making renewable energy more accessible to all nations. This transformation addresses climate concerns while also reshaping global energy markets and reducing dependence on fossil fuel.
Credit where due:
https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/china-energy-transition-review-2025/
https://electrek.co/2025/09/08/china-wind-solar-revolution-is-shaking-up-the-global-energy-game/
https://www.outlookbusiness.com/planet/industry/china-clean-energy-global-renewables-shift-2025
https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/global-electricity-review-2025/the-big-picture/
https://www.energy-storage.news/behind-the-numbers-bnef-finds-40-year-on-year-drop-in-bess-costs/
https://www.parkerslegacy.com/is-it-smart-to-invest-in-energy-companies/
https://doi.org/10.34010/jurisma.v13i2.11020
https://www.nalarrakyat.com/2023/01/investing-in-energy-market.html
© 2025 Tim Jackson. All Rights Reserved.
