China has set a new benchmark in solar energy expansion, adding a groundbreaking 216.88 gigawatts (GW) of new solar power in 2023.

The surge was particularly evident in December, when the country added 51.87 GW, according to the latest data from the National Energy Administration of China.

By December, China’s total power generation capacity reached approximately 2.92 terawatts (TW), marking a robust 13.9% increase from the previous year.

Notably, solar power capacity soared to approximately 610 GW, boasting an impressive 55.2% growth. Wind power capacity also made strides, reaching around 440 GW, with a 20.7% increase.

Workers install photovoltaic solar power generation panels in Zhoushan, Zhejiang. Image: China Daily

In 2023, power plants with a capacity of 6,000 kilowatts or more averaged 3,592 hours of utilization, experiencing a 101-hour reduction compared to the previous year.

Major power enterprises invested ¥967.5 billion in power projects, indicating a significant 30.1% year-on-year increase.

Additionally, grid projects witnessed an investment of ¥527.5 billion, showing a 5.4% year-on-year growth.

In 2022, China added 87.41 GW of solar power. Comparing the two years, 2023 showcased a monumental leap in solar capacity, almost tripling the figures from 2022.

By Vera Wang, Solarbe