China's wind and solar power utilization rates remain above 95% in 2024
(ECNS) -- China’s utilization rates of wind and solar power have maintained above 95 percent by the end of 2024, according to the national energy work conference held on Sunday.
The data released by the National Energy Administration (NEA) shows that the country’s installed wind power capacity reached 510 million kilowatts, while its solar power capacity stood at 840 million kilowatts in 2024.
During the meeting, the NEA highlighted a series of achievements in the energy sector this year. Notably, there’s a steady increase in China’s renewable energy installed capacity, with over 300 million kilowatts added in 2024. This figure accounts for more than 85 percent of the new installed capacity.
Currently, China leads the world with 102 nuclear power units in operation or approved for construction, boasting an installed capacity of around 113 million kilowatts.
In 2025, China will steadily advance the construction of ongoing nuclear power projects. By the end of next year, the operational nuclear power capacity is expected to reach around 65 million kilowatts.
Over the past year, China has made great strides in strengthening energy security and advancing green, low-carbon development, with an energy self-sufficiency rate above 80 percent.
The country has accelerated the building of a new power system, with the accumulated new energy storage exceeding 60 million kilowatts.
In addition, it has stepped up efforts to build charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, with more than 12 million charging stations built by the end of 2024. Over 95 percent of highway service areas are now equipped with charging facilities.
The NEA authorities said that the country will intensify its efforts in developing and utilizing wind and solar power, with plans to add around 200 million kilowatts of installed capacity in 2025.
The renewable energy consumption is expected to reach the equivalent of more than 1.1 billion metric tons of standard coal next year.