China is developing the most ambitious network to transport clean energy
7 days ago
- #renewable-energy
- #climate-change
- #china-infrastructure
- China is developing an ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission system to integrate renewable energy into its national grid.
- The Ningxia-Hunan UHV line can transmit 36,000 GWh annually, enough for 10 million homes, with less than 3% energy loss over 621 miles.
- China has exceeded its 2030 wind and solar capacity targets, reaching over 1,630 GW installed by 2024.
- President Xi Jinping announced new 2035 targets: 3,600 GW of installed capacity and over 30% renewable electricity share.
- UHV networks help optimize renewable energy use and reduce dependence on polluting local sources.
- China's UHV transmission lines have grown from 17,400 to over 24,854 miles in the last five years.
- Despite progress, unused solar and wind energy increased in 2025 due to grid limitations.
- China remains heavily dependent on coal, responsible for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- CO₂ emissions fell 1.6% year-on-year in Q1 2025, linked to increased renewable capacity.