China.org.cn | September 25, 2024
Reuters:
China's 14th Five-Year Plan set a goal to reach 1,200 gigawatts of installed solar and wind capacity by 2030. As of July, China achieved this target six years ahead of schedule. Since new energy development has exceeded expectations, will China further raise its 2030 target? Additionally, in 2025, the Paris Agreement requires signatory countries to propose their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for 2035. Will China increase the ambition of its energy transformation targets in its next NDC? Thank you.
Zhang Jianhua:
Thank you for your questions and interest in our energy industry, particularly new energy development. We are very grateful. I'll defer to Mr. Li Chuangjun for the answer.
Li Chuangjun:
Thank you for your questions. On Dec. 12, 2020, President Xi Jinping announced at the Climate Ambition Summit that China's installed capacity for wind and solar power would exceed 1.2 billion kilowatts by 2030. China's energy industry has earnestly implemented the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, resolutely carried out the policies and deployments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and vigorously promoted the high-quality development of wind and solar power. The scale of wind and PV installations has reached new milestones. By the end of July this year, China's installed capacity of wind power reached 471 million kilowatts, and that of solar power reached 735 million kilowatts, resulting in a combined capacity of 1.206 billion kilowatts.
China's rapid development of wind and solar power has significantly contributed to addressing climate change, ensuring energy supply, promoting the clean and low-carbon transition, and advancing global new energy development. China has become a key leader and promoter in global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, to achieve carbon peaking and ensure the proportion of non-fossil energy consumption reaching about 25% of total energy use by 2030, China needs to continue promoting large-scale, high-quality development of wind and solar power.
Regularly updating NDCs is a bottom-up global climate governance mechanism established by the Paris Agreement. Under this mechanism, each party sets its climate targets based on national conditions. Since the beginning of this year, following the Paris Agreement and related decisions, relevant departments in China have been actively studying and evaluating the next round of NDC targets in light of new situations and changes. It is important to emphasize that China's commitment to its dual carbon goals remains unwavering. However, the path, method, pace and intensity to achieve these goals should and must be determined by China itself, without external influence. China will adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and set well-conceived new goals and measures in light of the country's national realities. This will contribute significantly to jointly addressing climate change and building a clean and beautiful planet. Thank you.