China Leads Global Renewable Capacity Growth, Fuels Asia's Clean Energy Surge

China is solidifying its position as the global leader in renewable energy investment and capacity expansion, accounting for nearly one-third of global clean energy spending and 71% of new renewable capacity added in 2024. The country is accelerating its renewable energy installations, with 510 gigawatts of utility-scale solar and wind power under construction—three-quarters of global capacity currently being built—surpassing all other countries by a wide margin. Industrial sectors such as steel, cement, and polysilicon are being mandated to meet significant green energy consumption targets by 2025 and 2026, and China has expanded its emissions trading system to cover more industries, encompassing over 60% of its total emissions. Despite growing power demand, China's emissions fell in the first quarter of 2025 due to increased renewable and nuclear energy deployment, supporting President Xi Jinping's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060 and further greenhouse gas reduction targets ahead of COP30. However, international experts highlight a growing regional divide in renewable energy growth, with Asia, led by China, dominating new installations while other regions like Africa and Central America lag behind, emphasizing the need for targeted policies and international cooperation to bridge investment gaps. Global renewable capacity must increase its growth rate to meet COP28 goals, but China's strategic investments and policy measures position it as the key driver in the global clean energy transition.