China: The World’s Leader on Renewable Energy – The Santa Barbara Independent

Report on China’s Renewable Energy Advancements and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

China has demonstrated significant progress in ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. The nation has exceeded its renewable energy targets, solidifying its position as a global leader.

• In 2024, China achieved its goal of creating 1,200 gigawatts of renewable capacity, a target originally set for 2030.
• In 2022, the country’s installed solar photovoltaic capacity was approximately equal to that of the rest of the world combined.
• Further acceleration was observed in 2023, with a doubling of solar installations and a 66 percent increase in wind capacity.
• Additions to energy storage capacity quadrupled in the same year.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The nation’s efforts in renewable energy directly contribute to urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. This transition is marked by a strategic shift away from fossil fuels.

1. The rapid expansion of renewables was initiated to address severe air, soil, and water pollution resulting from a coal-based economy.
2. A significant reduction in fossil fuel dependency is evident, with national gasoline consumption falling by 4-5 percent annually.
3. The adoption of electric transportation is a key factor, with 280 million e-bikes worldwide reducing gasoline demand four times faster than electric cars.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

China has established a dominant role in the global clean energy industry, driving innovation and building resilient infrastructure.

• Over half of the world’s clean energy infrastructure is now located within China.
• The country controls global supply chains for key renewable technologies, holding more than 80 percent of the world market for solar technology.
• Technological innovation is advancing rapidly, with experimental solar panels reaching approximately 40 percent efficiency, double the current standard.
• In the electric vehicle (EV) sector, a leading Chinese manufacturer has reduced battery charging time to five minutes.

SDG 11 & SDG 12: Sustainable Cities and Responsible Consumption

The transition toward renewable energy supports the development of sustainable cities and promotes responsible consumption and production patterns.

• More than half of all cars sold in China are electric vehicles, a stark contrast to the 21 percent adoption rate in a leading market like California.
• This shift in consumer behavior is fundamental to reducing urban pollution and building sustainable communities.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

China’s industrial scale has had a profound impact on global partnerships for sustainable development, particularly by making clean energy more accessible to developing nations.

1. The massive output from China’s renewable sector has driven down global prices, effectively removing the cost barrier for poorer countries.
2. As a result, renewable energy is now growing twice as fast in the Global South as it is in the developed North.
3. China is the primary supplier for the world’s expanding grid-scale battery storage, with global additions expected to increase eightfold in the current year compared to 2021.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article’s central theme is China’s massive expansion of renewable energy capacity, including solar, wind, and energy storage. This directly relates to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article frames China’s renewable energy push as a response to its status as the “world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases” and part of its national climate targets. This aligns with the goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The text highlights China’s dominance in the global supply chains for clean technologies (solar, wind, batteries) and its focus on creating an “advanced technological future.” This reflects the goal of building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article mentions that China’s shift away from coal was motivated by the need to address “air, soil, and water pollution” that generated “public unrest.” The rise of electric vehicles and e-bikes, which reduces gasoline consumption, also contributes to improving air quality in urban areas.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article discusses the shift away from a fossil fuel-based economy (coal and gasoline) towards renewable energy sources. The falling gasoline consumption in China points to changing consumption patterns and a move towards more sustainable systems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • The article explicitly states China pledged to create “1,200 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030” and achieved this goal in 2024. It also details the rapid growth, noting that in 2023, China “doubled its solar installations again, while increasing its wind capacity by 66 percent.”
2. Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.
   • The article explains that the “extraordinary scale of China’s renewable sector’s output has driven down prices, essentially removing the cost barrier for poorer countries.” This has led to renewable energy growing “twice as fast in the developing world of the Global South as in the developed North.”
3. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • China’s 2020 pledge to create 1,200 gigawatts of renewable capacity is a clear example of a national policy and climate target integrated into its long-term planning.
4. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies…
   • The article describes China’s transition from a coal-based economy to one that “dominates the global supply chains for solar, wind, and battery technologies,” which is a direct example of upgrading industry with clean technology.
5. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality…
   • The article notes that the move to renewables was partly to address “air, soil, and water pollution” from coal. The fact that “more than half of the cars sold in China are electric vehicles” and the subsequent fall in gasoline consumption directly addresses urban air pollution.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Renewable Energy Capacity: The article provides a specific figure of “1,200 gigawatts of renewable capacity” installed by China by 2024, which is a direct indicator of progress towards increasing the share of renewable energy (Target 7.2).
2. Growth Rate of Renewables: The text states that in 2023, China “doubled its solar installations” and increased “wind capacity by 66 percent,” serving as indicators of the rapid pace of adoption (Target 7.2).
3. Market Share in Clean Technology: The article mentions that China has “more than 80 percent of the world market” in solar technology, indicating its industrial capacity and influence on global supply chains (Target 9.4).
4. Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption Rate: The statistic that “more than half of the cars sold in China are electric vehicles” is a clear indicator of the shift to sustainable transport and its impact on urban environments (Target 11.6).
5. Reduction in Fossil Fuel Consumption: The article quantifies that “Chinese gasoline consumption is falling by 4-5 percent a year,” which is a direct indicator of reduced reliance on fossil fuels and progress towards responsible consumption (Target 12.2).
6. Global Impact on Developing Nations: The fact that “renewable energy is growing twice as fast in the developing world of the Global South” due to China’s influence is an indicator of enhanced international cooperation and technology access (Target 7.a).

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: independent.com