China's Renewable Energy Surge
China has experienced an unprecedented surge in renewable energy capacity, with significant additions of solar and wind power. During the first half of 2025, the country installed approximately 268 gigawatts of new capacity, nearly equaling the total amount of wind and solar energy developed in the United States to date.
Obstacles in Renewable Energy Expansion
However, this rapid growth has encountered obstacles. A notable increase in energy curtailment occurred last year, indicating that a substantial portion of generated clean energy remains unused. For instance, in early 2025, Tibet had to curtail over 30% of its wind and solar output.
Transmission Infrastructure Challenges
The primary reason for this issue lies in the lagging development of transmission infrastructure. China's grid expansion efforts are striving to keep pace with the rising energy demand. The challenge remains in efficiently transporting electricity from resource-rich western regions to eastern cities where demand is highest, a process that is still under development.