Towards a Green China: Energy Policy, Technological Innovation, and Green Investment as Drivers of Environmental Sustainability (Frontiers in Environmental Science)

Summary

• China added approximately 277 GW of solar capacity and 80 GW of wind capacity in 2024 alone.p.8
• The country reached its 2030 target of 1,200 GW in combined wind and solar capacity roughly 6 years ahead of schedule.p.6
• Cumulative capacity reached around 887 GW for solar and roughly 521 GW for wind in 2024.p.5
• The national emissions trading system regulates approximately 3,700 entities covering around 8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.p.6
• Renewable sources reached a ~56% share of total capacity in 2024, marking the second year above 50%.p.5

Key insights

1. China's dual-carbon framing sets target dates to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality before 2060.p.6
2. Green finance lowers carbon emission intensity primarily by stimulating technological innovation and reallocating capital away from pollution-intensive activities.p.1
3. The national emissions trading system relies on intensity-based allocation benchmarks rather than an absolute cap, muting immediate price signals.p.6
4. Spatial mismatch exists across regions, as western provinces host major renewable bases while eastern coastal regions hold higher financial depth and energy demand.p.5
5. Continued approvals for coal power capacity reflect energy security concerns and the need for grid flexibility during the transition.p.7
6. Ultra-high-voltage transmission networks transport clean power thousands of kilometers from interior generation sites to eastern economic centers.p.9