As the world’s largest electricity consumer, China has cheaper solar power, now. In many Chinese cities, solar power is cheaper than the national grid. There are 344 cities that have solar systems producing energy. China solar power prices are cheaper, even without government subsidy.
The Solar power price can also compete with electricity produced by coal. The phenomenon is expected to trigger further investment in renewable energy.
Also read: India’s Unicorn: ReNew Power on Green Technology
China Solar Power Project
China has made significant progress in developing solar power. The country pledged to invest 2.5 trillion yuan ($367 billion). The country will distribute the investment into much renewable power production. That includes solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear. The investment will be from 2017 to 2020.
China has long relied on coal for its energy needs. Yet, the country has started to close mines. Besides, it also restricts the construction of new coal power plants recently. Moreover, China government emphasize the restriction on a heavily polluted area. However, coal power still accounts for 59% of the country’s consumption.
Also read: Hong Kong Airport Shutdown Affects Businesses
The country expects a substantial uptake of industrial and commercial solar systems in China in the near future. China currently has a massive scale of production and curve effects. Therefore, it is driving down solar prices around the world.
China’s progress is mainly driven by its national interests. The government sees that solar power can help its energy security and resilience. Besides, solar power can also mitigate urban air pollution and enhance its position as a leading supplier of clean technology in the future.
The country also has an ambitious plan in the pipeline. It includes a solar energy plant in space that could one day beam enough power back to Earth to light up an entire city.
Besides, state-owned China Aerospace Science could one day beam enough power back to Earth to light up an entire city. The world’s largest concentrated solar farm also build in China. The farm is on 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) in area. The farm produces enough electricity to power a city the size of Prague, or twice the size of Marrakesh.
