China is aiming to triple its solar power capacity within just 3 years. The plan is to reach 70 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2017. At the end of 2013, China had nearly 20 gigawatts of solar capacity installed.
Aiming for ambitious solar capacity targets is of course nothing new for China. In fact, over the past couple of years the world’s most populous nation has increased its previously stated target on more than one occasion, so this new target could well change as the plan is carried out.
In addition to the ambitious solar target, China is also aiming to add 330 gigawatts of hydro power, 150 gigawatts of wind power, and 11 gigawatts of biomass. Overall, China has set a target of 13% of power from non-fossil fuel-based electricity. However, it should be noted that China is building more coal plants as well, which are only going to add to the serious air pollution and greenhouse gas problems.
Still, it’s a positive sign that the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitting country has an exponentially growing solar power capacity. That’s what it’s going to take to help solve climate change.
Image CC licensed by Andreas Demmelbauer
Via Cleantechnica
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