On March 25th, data from the National Energy Administration showed that 36.72 GW of solar power generation and 20.37 million kilowatts of photovoltaic installed capacity were added in the first two months of 2024. Compared to the same period in 2023, the new solar power generation from January to February 2024 increased significantly by over 80%, demonstrating a strong growth momentum.

As of the end of February 2024, the cumulative installed power generation capacity in China has reached about 2.97 billion kilowatts, a significant year-on-year increase of 14.7%. Among various power generation methods, the installed capacity of solar power generation is particularly prominent, about 650 million kilowatts, with a year-on-year growth rate of 56.9%; At the same time, the installed capacity of wind power also showed strong growth momentum, reaching about 450 million kilowatts, a year-on-year increase of 21.3%. The main power generation enterprises in China have completed an investment of 76.1 billion yuan in power engineering, a year-on-year increase of 8.3%. The power grid project completed an investment of 32.7 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.3%.

From January to February, the overall average operating time of power generation equipment in China was 563 hours, a decrease of 6 hours compared to the same period in 2023. Specifically, wind power equipment operated for 373 hours, a year-on-year decrease of 27 hours; The solar power generation equipment takes 168 hours, a decrease of 14 hours. In contrast, the operating time of thermal power equipment was 763 hours, an increase of 44 hours year-on-year; The nuclear power equipment has reached 1216 hours, an increase of 7 hours; And the water and electricity equipment lasted for 369 hours, an increase of 5 hours year-on-year.

As a clean and renewable energy source, the increase in solar power generation can help optimize China's energy structure, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote green and low-carbon development. The increase in photovoltaic installed capacity means that China has made significant progress in photovoltaic technology research and development, industrial chain construction, and market promotion. This not only helps to enhance China's competitive position in the global photovoltaic industry, but also creates more opportunities for the development of related industry chains, promoting economic growth and employment. In addition, the addition of solar power generation and photovoltaic installations can provide strong guarantees for China's energy security. With the continuous increase in the proportion of renewable energy, the diversification and stability of China's energy supply will be further enhanced, which will help to cope with the fluctuations and challenges of the international energy market.Editor/Zhang Liyuan