China targets 3.5 billion kW of renewable power capacity by 2030

Wind and solar capacity is expected to exceed 2.8 billion kW.

China is targeting a total installed renewable power generation capacity of about 3.5 billion kilowatts (kW) by 2030, generating roughly 6 trillion kilowatt-hours annually, the government said.

As part of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, combined wind and solar capacity is expected to exceed 2.8 billion kW, whilst renewable energy consumption is projected to reach approximately 1.8 billion tonnes of standard coal equivalent.

The plan also sets targets of about 410 million kW for conventional hydropower capacity, 15 million kW for solar thermal power, 400,000 kW for marine energy, and approximately 160 million kW for pumped storage capacity by 2030.

Over the five years, China will add more than 300 million kW of new reliable peak power capacity from renewable sources, whilst newly commenced offshore wind projects nationwide will total around 100 million kW.

Officials said the plan targets an electricity generation mix by 2030 of roughly half non-fossil fuels, with renewables accounting for nearly half of generation and new energy sources.

Hydropower development will be coordinated with ecological protection alongside flood control, water supply, irrigation and navigation needs.

China also said it will promote international cooperation on renewable energy, support alignment with international standards and certification, and advance mutual recognition of certification results.