China has announced a 41% growth in electricity generated from wind power in 2012, which bumps the country closer towards its 2015 target. China’s National Energy Administration statement says total wind power produced last year reached 11.8 billion kilowatt hours, which is a 41% increase on 2011’s 71.5 billion kilowatt hours.
Grid-connected installed capacity also increased in 2012 to 62.7 gigawatts, a 31% jump from 47.8 gigawatts in 2011. China is aiming to produce 190 billion kilowatt hours and install 100 gigawatts of grid-connected wind energy by 2015. According to Pew research, China attracted US$29 billion in wind energy investment in 2011, which helped drive 20 gigawatts of new wind capacity in the country; almost half the 43 gigawatts of wind installed globally that year. Changhua Wu, Greater China Director, The Climate Group said: “Renewable energy development and installations have become a proven, key part of China’s efforts to decarbonize its economy. Challenges remain today that need to be addressed, but the progress so far made by the world’s second-largest economy is exciting and encouraging. “China’s leadership and contribution will be well recognized in the global clean revolution.
The Climate Group continues our steadfast commitment and efforts to support this process.” As well as approaching its 2015 wind target, China has also increased its 2015 solar power target from 21 gigawatts to 35 gigawatts.
