In the heart of China’s Kubuqi Desert, nearly 200,000 solar panels form the outline of a galloping horse, a cultural emblem of Inner Mongolia. Beyond its symbolic significance, the installation reflects China’s ambitious push toward renewable energy as the nation works to combat climate change and transform its energy landscape.

China is installing wind and solar energy projects at an unprecedented pace, accounting for two-thirds of the world’s utility-scale capacity under construction. With nearly 339 gigawatts of projects underway, the country is set to generate enough electricity to power over 250 million homes, according to the Global Energy Monitor. This is in addition to the 758 gigawatts of renewable capacity already operational.

A Global Climate Leader

As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China has a pivotal role in global efforts to combat climate change. While emissions from the nation remain high—accounting for nearly a third of the global total—there are signs of a slowdown. Experts, including senior U.S. officials, believe China’s emissions could soon peak, potentially marking a turning point in the fight against climate change.

“China is now a global renewables powerhouse,” said Jonathan Pershing, former U.S. State Department climate diplomat. “The scale and speed of their wind and solar expansion are extraordinary and offer a model for other nations.”

China’s commitment to renewables has already exceeded targets. President Xi Jinping pledged to install 1,200 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030—a goal achieved six years early. By the early 2030s, the International Energy Agency predicts China will generate more solar power than the U.S. consumes.

Balancing Progress with Challenges

While renewable energy is rapidly displacing coal as the dominant power source in China, the country continues to build new coal plants even as it retires older ones. Wind and solar currently account for 37% of China’s electricity generation, reducing coal’s share by over 17% in the past two decades.

Experts like John Podesta, White House senior advisor on climate policy, emphasize the need for further coal plant retirements. “China has the capacity to phase out coal at a faster pace, which would have enormous implications for global emissions,” Podesta said.

Toward Emissions Reductions

China has committed to peaking carbon emissions before 2030, but U.S. officials are urging a steeper reduction—30% by 2035. Achieving this would save 4.7 gigatons of carbon pollution, equivalent to the U.S.’s total annual emissions.

While independent analysis suggests a recent 1% drop in China’s emissions, experts caution against drawing conclusions too early. However, shifts in China’s economy—marked by slowing demand for industrial materials and growing investment in solar and electric vehicle production—indicate a broader transformation.

Li Shuo of the Asia Society Policy Institute noted the significance of China’s progress: “If China’s emissions plateau, global emissions will likely follow, marking a milestone in combating climate change. It’s an insufficient first step but an important one.”