Does China have more solar power than Australia?

In April this year, China installed more solar power than Australia has in all its history. In one month. This isn’t a story about Australia’s poor track record on solar; Australia is a global leader. Rather, this shows the astonishing rate at which China is embracing renewable technologies across every aspect of its society.

Why did China start investing in renewables?

It began to invest in all components for renewables, especially wind, solar, electric cars, and batteries that are used for both transport and energy storage. To do this, it used significant government-funded subsidies, said Ember’s Muyi Yang. “We all understand that young sectors and technologies need some protection for them to grow.

Why did China build new coal-fired power stations?

As the Made In China plan unfolded, more and more power was needed to fuel these energy-hungry factories and the lifestyles of the burgeoning middle class. To keep up, China built new coal-fired power stations, even as it was installing more wind and solar.

How does China's renewable capacity affect emissions?

“China’s renewable capacity has exponentially increased and that has also contributed to the drop in coal, in coal use and emissions. There is now a structural kind of decline of coal.” That’s already having an impact on emissions. China is projected to add over 600TWh of annual generation capacity in 2025.

Why is China's renewables expansion so striking?

China’s renewables expansion is also striking because it could not be more different to the direction of another world superpower, the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump.