Electricity in People's Republic of China in 2024
In 2024, the electricity consumption in the People's Republic of China is dominated by fossil energy sources, with over 60% of electricity being generated from fossil fuels. Coal, specifically, plays an overwhelming role, contributing more than half to the overall electricity mix, while gas makes up a small portion of about 3%. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources account for roughly 38% of China's electricity generation. Among the clean energy mix, hydropower is the largest contributor, providing around 13% of the electricity. Wind and solar power are also significant, contributing approximately 10% and 8% respectively. Nuclear energy is an essential part of the green energy category, adding about 4% to the mix. Biofuels, while technically in the low-carbon category, make up a little over 2% of the total electricity generation.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, China can look towards countries that have successfully implemented and expanded their nuclear, wind, and solar capacities. For example, France, with 68% of its electricity coming from nuclear power, showcases the viability of nuclear energy as a major low-carbon source. Similarly, Denmark's success in generating 52% of its electricity from wind energy highlights the potential for wind power expansion. Moreover, the advances in solar power can be emulated by looking at Lebanon, where solar contributes to 31% of the electricity. By learning from these countries, China can diversify its low-carbon initiatives by expanding its nuclear facilities, investing more heavily in wind infrastructure, and maximizing its solar power potential.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity development in China, the increase in hydropower characterized the early 2000s, with significant growth peaking in 2012. However, there was a minor reduction in hydropower as growth plateaued around mid-2010s. The late 2010s and early 2020s marked a significant rise in wind power, reaching a striking peak in 2021. Solar energy began to see considerable increases starting in 2021 and soaring higher in the subsequent years, with 2024 showing a remarkable addition. Additionally, 2023 witnessed a notable dip in hydropower but was counterbalanced by substantial increases in wind and solar generation, emphasizing the swift transition towards solar and wind in recent years. This historical momentum underlines the promising future of wind and solar as they continue to grow as vital components of China's low-carbon energy strategy.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.