Energy Insider: China Targets 60% Non-Fossil Power Capacity, Solar Growth Expected to Slow

[para. 1] The Caixin energy wrap highlights China's recent initiatives and developments in the energy sector, focusing on policy, industry, and project trends. Key areas of focus include China’s aim to increase its non-fossil power capacity, the expansion slowdown in the solar sector, record highs in turbine exports, and the unveiling of massive turbine-installation vessels.

[para. 2][para. 3] The Chinese government aims to increase non-fossil energy to 60% of total power capacity by 2025, up from 56.9% at the end of the previous year. The portion of non-fossil energy in total energy consumption is anticipated to rise to around 20% in the current year, reaching targets set in the 14th Five-Year Plan to ensure around 25% non-fossil energy consumption by 2030. Despite this growth, China also plans to boost the production of coal, oil, and gas to ensure energy security.

[para. 5][para. 6] The solar power sector in China is projected to experience slower annual growth after a rapid expansion over five years. The China Photovoltaic Industry Association anticipates a decrease in installed solar power capacity from 277.57 GW in the previous year to a range of 215-255 GW by 2025. This decline is attributed to new policy directions allowing market-driven pricing for wind and solar power.

[para. 7][para. 8] Overall, there is a predicted deceleration in wind and solar capacity growth for 2025, with new guidelines setting targets at over 200 GW, compared to 360 GW added last year. This slower growth could impact the dynamics within China’s renewable energy markets, aligning with broader market-led strategies.

[para. 9][para. 10] Chinese wind manufacturers have set new export records, with 904 wind turbines shipped overseas in 2024, reaching a record 5.2 GW capacity—a 41.7% increase year-on-year. Most exports were onshore turbines. Looking forward, experts anticipate growth in the export capacity of Chinese turbines, particularly to developing economies, while access to U.S. and EU markets may remain constrained.

[para. 11][para. 12] In a significant development, China has introduced two massive vessels designed to expedite offshore wind farm construction. Launched by Power Construction Corp. of China Ltd., these vessels were unveiled in Jiangsu province. The Zhigao vessel features an on-board crane capable of lifting up to 3,600 tons, and the Zhiyuan vessel can anchor in waters up to 70 meters deep, greatly enhancing the speed and efficiency of wind turbine installation.

[para. 13][para. 14] Together, these vessels can install an offshore wind turbine in two to three days, reflecting China’s advancements in offshore wind technology and positioning PowerChina more competitively in the market. These efforts underscore China’s strategy to strengthen its wind power industrial chain and harness offshore wind potential to meet energy demands sustainably.