China's 1,200 GW Renewable Milestone: Emissions Still Rising

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China reached its 2030 clean energy target in 2024, installing 1,200 gigawatts of solar and wind power capacity six years ahead of schedule.

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Record-breaking installations in 2024 saw China add 277 gigawatts of solar power and 80 gigawatts of wind power to its energy grid.

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Chinese manufacturers flooded the market with affordable solar panels and wind turbines, driving massive growth in renewable energy adoption.

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Clean energy investments in China hit $818 billion in 2024, surpassing combined investments from the US, EU, and UK.

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Despite renewable energy growth, China's CO2 emissions rose 0.8% in 2024 as coal remains the backup power source.

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Solar power capacity will overtake coal as China's primary energy source by 2026, reaching 1.38 terawatts according to Rystad Energy.

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China's clean energy expansion continues with large-scale wind, solar, and nuclear projects racing to finish before the current five-year plan ends.

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The surge in renewable installations partially offset rising emissions since February 2024, showing the impact of clean energy growth.

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