INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The world marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, officially designated by the United Nations as International Mother Earth Day, on April
This year's theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," highlights the urgent need to transform global energy systems to address climate change.As the
world's largest developing country and a leader in renewable energy, China has made major strides in reducing carbon emissions through clean
power development.By the end of 2024, China's installed capacity of solar power reached approximately 890 gigawatts, and wind power reached
520 gigawatts, according to data from the National Energy Administration.These figures mean China has achieved its 2030 target having a
combined 1,200 GW of solar and wind power six years ahead of schedule.Compared to fossil fuels, clean energy such as solar and wind offers
clear advantages: they are abundant, non-polluting and help reduce reliance on imported energy.In China, both energy types now show high
utilization rates, with figures above 95 percent in most regions, ensuring efficiency alongside scale.As part of China's west-to-east power
transmission project, east China's Jiangsu Province has leveraged ultra-high voltage (UHV) and extra-high voltage (EHV) technologies to
import clean energy from major hydropower stations such as the Three Gorges, Jinping and Baihetan
To date, more than 700 billion kWh of clean hydropower have been transmitted to Jiangsu
This initiative has significantly alleviated power supply pressures and accelerated the province's green energy transition.Based on
calculations, this effort has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by over 600 million tonnes, equivalent to taking approximately 170 million
gasoline-powered cars off the road for a year
At the lowest carbon price in China's national carbon market in 2024, the ecological value of these emission reductions exceeds 41.4 billion
yuan (about $5.7 billion).China's contribution extends beyond its borders
In August 2024, China Energy Engineering Group signed a $972 million deal with Saudi partners to build a 2 GW solar power plant.The project
is part of Saudi Arabia's green energy transition and involves joint efforts with the country's sovereign wealth fund, PIF and ACWA Power
Construction is expected to be completed within 31 months.China and Denmark have also deepened cooperation in energy and climate
In 2023, the two countries launched a new joint work plan, prioritizing climate action and energy transition as central pillars of bilateral
relations.At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, China announced plans to implement 30 clean energy projects across Africa to
support the continent's green development.Additionally, China committed to providing 360 billion yuan (approximately $50 billion) in
financial support to African countries over the next three years.These actions demonstrate China's commitment to ecological civilization and
international climate goals
As the global community pushes for greener, more sustainable development, China's clean energy efforts stand as both a domestic success and
a contribution to the global good.Earth Day 2024: Help the planet fight plastics(With input from agencies)(Cover: VCG)
