[Photo/VCG] BEIJING -- China has established a charging infrastructure network that boasts the world's largest number of installations, the most extensive services, and the most diverse range of options, according to the country's top economic planner.
Between March 2023 and March 2024, China installed more solar than it had in the previous three years combined, and more than the rest of the world combined for 2023. Solar capacity first surpassed wind in 2022, and the gap has grown significantly larger, thanks to the massive expansion of distributed solar.
China can now make more solar power than the rest of the world. Data released by China’s National Agency last week revealed that the country’s solar electric power generation capacity grew by a staggering 55.2 percent in 2023. The numbers highlight over 216 gigawatts (GW) of solar power China built during the year.
The numbers highlight over 216 gigawatts (GW) of solar power China built during the year. When the Asian superpower set its energy targets in 2020, aiming to achieve peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, most dubbed it ambitious.
Among them, public charging facilities totaled 3.05 million units, surging 46 percent year-on-year, while the number of private charging facilities climbed 61 percent to about 6.87 million units, according to Li. This impressive growth aligns with the flourishing new energy vehicle sector in China, which is the world's largest market for NEVs.
All told, 2023 saw unprecedented wind and solar growth in China. The unabated wave of construction guarantees that China will continue leading in wind and solar installation in the near future, far ahead of the rest of the world.