China could double renewable energy by 2030

The report is part of IRENA’s renewable energy roadmap, REmap 2030, which provides a plan to double the share of renewable energy in the world’s energy mix by 2030 and determines the potential for China and other countries to scale up renewables in the power sector and end-use sectors like buildings, industry and transport.

The report has acquired special significance following the major announcement by China that it intends to cap carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and expand the share of non-fossil energy in total primary energy supply to around 20% by 2030, as part of an emission reduction deal jointly made by China and the US. 

With current policies in place, the share of renewables in China’s energy mix will only rise to 17% by 2030. REmap 2030 estimates that annual investment of $145bn is needed between now and 2030 in renewable energy technologies to reach the 26% renewables mark, an annual increase of $54bn beyond business-as-usual. The higher renewable share will result in annual savings of $55-228bn by 2030 when accounting for factors like human health and reduced emissions.

This transformation will also have an important impact on the reduction of air pollution from coal use, a major driver for renewable energy development in China. REmap estimates a decrease of 18% in coal demand in 2030 as compared to business-as-usual.

China installed more renewable energy capacity in 2013 than Europe and the remaining Asia Pacific region combined. It is also a major exporter of renewable energy technology, accounts for two-thirds of global solar panel production, 90% of installed biogas systems, 40% of wind capacity in 2013, and provides 2.6m jobs in its renewable energy sector.

“As the largest energy consumer in the world, China must play a pivotal role in the global transition to a sustainable energy future,” said Mr. Adnan Z. Amin, Director-General, IRENA, at a launch event in Beijing. “China’s energy use is expected to increase by 60% to 2030. How China meets that need will determine whether or not the world can curb climate change. China can continue its leadership in renewable energy by accelerating action in this area. If China acts now to implement more renewable energy, it can reduce air pollution, enhance energy security, benefit its economy, and play a leading role in fighting climate change.”

“REmap 2030 shows that China can achieve the energy revolution it’s aiming for, and that it can do so affordably,” said Dolf Gielen, Director, Innovation and Technology Center, IRENA’s. “It also gives China a higher goal to aspire to, stating that an energy mix with 26% renewables is achievable by 2030.”