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, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration (NEA), 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.

Conventional hydropower capacity is expected to reach about 410 million kW by 2030, whilst installed solar thermal power capacity is targeted at 15 million kW, marine energy at 400,000 kW, and pumped storage power at about 160 million kW.

Officials said the plan targets an electricity generation mix by 2030 in which non-fossil fuels account for half of total generation, renewable energy contributes nearly half, and new energy sources make up 30%.

The document also said China will continue expanding international cooperation on renewable energy, support the global green energy transition, and promote the international adoption of its renewable energy technologies, standards, and certification systems.