China's renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, with its solar supply chain now capable of producing 1 terawatt of solar panels annually. This production capacity has the potential to address energy poverty and reduce global dependence on fossil fuels.

The scale of China's renewable energy projects is significant. Massive energy megabases, combining solar and wind power, are being developed in the western deserts and Tibetan highlands. These facilities rival the power output of multiple nuclear plants and are connected to population centers in eastern China via ultra-high-voltage transmission lines.

The global installed electricity capacity, encompassing all sources including fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewables, totaled approximately 10 terawatts in 2024. China's solar manufacturing capacity alone now represents a substantial fraction of this global total.

The rapid expansion of renewable energy in China has implications for the global energy landscape. The increased availability of affordable solar technology could accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels in other countries. However, the speed and scale of this transition also present challenges, including grid integration and the management of intermittent energy sources.