Claims about China’s energy policies have recently stirred controversy. Former US President Donald Trump suggested that China does not utilize wind power, despite its leadership in wind turbine production. This assertion was made during an interview with UK broadcaster GB News.
China’s Position in Wind Power Generation
Contrary to Trump’s claims, China stands as a global frontrunner in wind energy. Research indicates that China dominates almost half of the world’s wind power capacity. In particular, it accounts for:
- 44% of the world’s operational wind farm capacity.
- About two-thirds of all newly added wind power capacity globally in 2023.
Biqing Zhu, a research scholar at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, emphasized China’s remarkable growth in this sector. The nation not only sells wind turbines but also leads in their installation and usage.
Fossil Fuels Still Predominant
Despite its advancements in wind power, China’s energy landscape remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that:
- Coal is the dominant source of electricity in China.
- China burns one out of every four tonnes of coal used globally for electricity generation.
In 2023, the Chinese Wind Energy Association reported that wind power contributed only 9.5% of the nation’s total electricity generation. This statistic underscores the ongoing challenge of transitioning to renewable energy.
Criticism of Wind Energy Infrastructure
Trump has also voiced strong opposition to wind energy initiatives in Europe. He labeled wind turbines as “ugly” and claimed they mar the countryside. His criticisms reflect a broader debate over the balance between renewable energy development and environmental aesthetics.
As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, accurate information about energy sources and usage remains crucial. This ensures that discussions surrounding energy policies are grounded in factual evidence, rather than misconceptions.
