Driving from Beijing to the Caofeidian District in Tangshan, Hebei, along the coastal highway, one can see towering “wind turbines” standing majestically. Under the blue sky and beside the azure sea, the large white blades rotate incessantly, and numerous wind power generators operate continuously. This brings to mind a significant piece of news: in the first quarter of this year, China’s installed capacity for wind and solar power reached 1.482 billion kilowatts, surpassing that of thermal power for the first time, marking a historic milestone. In the future, as new installations continue to grow rapidly, it is expected that wind and solar power will consistently exceed thermal power installations. These massive blades witness the profound adjustments in China’s energy structure.
From being an overlooked niche to becoming a land of innovative opportunities, and from being reliant on foreign core technologies to achieving the world’s highest market share in related equipment and components, the “comeback” of wind and solar energy reveals several insights. First and foremost, it demonstrates the determination that practical action is essential. Observing the long-term trends, the resurgence of the wind and solar industries vividly reflects China’s deep commitment to advancing its energy revolution. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized, “Accelerating the construction of a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy system is the main direction of our energy revolution.” With a clear direction in place, practical efforts are crucial.
Establishing photovoltaic leader bases and developing large-scale new energy bases, promoting the demonstration and application of new technologies, and enhancing the dynamic adjustment of renewable energy pricing and consumption guarantees are all concrete actions taken step by step. These efforts help the clean energy industry grow into a new pillar of the modern industrial system. The optimization and upgrading of the energy structure reflect the momentum of high-quality development and showcase an unwavering dedication to achieving set goals. This perseverance also reinforces our confidence in development.
Additionally, we can see a strong pursuit of innovation breakthroughs. Opening the door to energy transition, innovation serves as a “golden key.” In recent years, China has frequently set new world records in wind and solar energy, driven by comprehensive innovations in materials, design, and technology. The world’s largest 26-megawatt offshore wind turbine, with over 30,000 components fully manufactured domestically, has achieved globally leading levels in key technologies. The production of the longest wind turbine blades and the construction of the world’s tallest onshore wind turbine towers, equivalent to over 60 stories, are notable achievements. Furthermore, all-perovskite tandem photovoltaic cells have reached a solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 28.2%, breaking previous records. Without innovation, there can be no breakthroughs, and if innovation lags, how can we seize historical opportunities? It is innovation that enables wind and solar energy to achieve continuous breakthroughs, fueling the momentum for green development.
Moreover, we can witness a commitment to empowering the world. Ensuring energy security and addressing climate change are common challenges faced globally. Accelerating the green and low-carbon transition of energy and promoting sustainable development represent shared opportunities for the entire world. By establishing the most extensive and complete new energy industrial chain globally, promoting the “going out” of photovoltaic components and wind power equipment, and widely disseminating clean energy technologies, China has become a steadfast contributor to global green development. Currently, China collaborates on green energy projects with over 100 countries and regions, with numerous iconic energy projects and smaller initiatives benefiting local communities shining brightly across the globe.
The resurgence of wind and solar energy reflects not only China’s ongoing commitment to its energy transition but also a broad-minded effort to facilitate global green transitions. By developing itself and benefiting the world, China’s energy sector continues to enhance its “green” capabilities. Jack Perry, chairman of the UK’s 48 Group Club, believes that China’s expertise in renewable energy offers hope to other developing countries that are advancing modernization. An article from the Brookings Institution states that China is a global leader in non-fossil energy, clean transportation, and green finance—described as “the world’s greatest hope.” China is indeed lifting this hope. The rotating blades bring not only powerful electricity but also a beautiful future for sustainable development.
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