Study: China builds more wind and solar energy plants than the rest of the world combined
This corresponds to 64 percent of the globally planned solar and wind energy capacities, according to the study. Following China are the USA (40 Gigawatts), Brazil (13 Gigawatts), the UK (ten Gigawatts), and Spain (nine Gigawatts).
China has reportedly started construction on one-third of the previously announced new wind and solar projects, while worldwide, only seven percent of planned construction projects have begun.
China is the second largest economy in the world and the largest emitter of climate-damaging greenhouse gases. The People's Republic has announced that it will reduce its CO2 emissions from 2030 onwards and be carbon neutral by 2060.
The country is still heavily relying on coal-fired power plants to meet the increasing electricity demand. According to the GEM-Study, the combined wind and solar energy capacity in China will exceed coal-generated electricity production in this year.
The study reveals that Brazil ranks fourth in globally planned solar and wind energy capacities, trailing behind China, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. Spain, with nine gigawatts, is also listed in the top five countries. (Brazil, United States of America, China, Brazil, Spain)
Despite China's significant progress in constructing new wind and solar projects, only seven percent of global planned construction projects have begun. Spain, for instance, has just started work on a fraction of its announced wind and solar projects. (China, global, Spain)
In the realm of green energy, the United Kingdom and Spain contribute ten and nine gigawatts, respectively, to the globally planned solar and wind energy capacities. (United Kingdom, Spain)
A study suggests that the combined wind and solar energy capacity in Brazil will surpass its coal-generated electricity production by annexes, estimating a potential growth of 13 gigawatts. (Brazil, coal-generated electricity, annexes)
The World Bank recently published a report stating that the United States of America has reportedly installed 40 gigawatts of wind and solar energy capacities, demonstrating a significant commitment to renewable energy sources. (United States of America, wind and solar energy capacities, World Bank)
According to the GEM-Study, the gigawatt-scale expansion of wind and solar energy capacities in China will considerably impact the global energy market, potentially shifting the balance towards renewable energy sources. (China, wind and solar energy capacities, GEM-Study)
