New Energy Capacity Surpasses Thermal Power, Driving Green Development

Inner Mongolia's New Energy Revolution

Inner Mongolia, a region traditionally known for its vast coal reserves, has achieved a significant milestone in its energy transition. The region's installed new energy capacity, including wind and solar power, has surpassed 120 million kilowatts, exceeding its installed thermal power capacity for the first time. This achievement comes one year ahead of schedule, solidifying Inner Mongolia's commitment to clean energy.

This remarkable feat is attributed to the region's abundant new energy resources. Inner Mongolia boasts a wind energy potential of 1.46 billion kilowatts, accounting for approximately 57% of the national figure. Its solar potential is equally impressive, amounting to 9.4 billion kilowatts, representing nearly 21% of the national potential.

The impact of this transition is already evident. New energy installations connected to the grid in the region generate 270 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to reducing standard coal use by 84 million metric tons and carbon dioxide emissions by over 220 million tons.

While Inner Mongolia remains a major coal producer, with reserves totaling 536 billion tons, the region is actively pursuing a balanced approach. In 2023, its annual coal production exceeded 1.2 billion tons, with approximately 60% sold outside the region and 250 million tons used to generate thermal power within the region. However, plans are in place to shut down three coal mines in 2024 with a total production capacity of 2.1 million tons.

Inner Mongolia's commitment to innovation is evident in its integration of wind and solar power generation with desertification control. By using solar panels to provide shade and reduce surface water evaporation, the region is enabling plant growth beneath the panels, ingeniously combining new energy development with desert ecosystem restoration.

Inner Mongolia's story is a microcosm of China's rapid growth in the new energy sector, which has maintained double-digit annual growth in recent years. Since 2013, the country's installed wind power capacity has grown sixfold, and its installed solar power capacity has surged more than 180-fold. New installations in China account for over 40% of the global annual total, contributing significantly to the world's green development.

China's policymakers are committed to accelerating the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. To achieve the country's dual carbon goals, China will tighten control over the consumption of fossil fuels, work faster to develop a new energy system, and promote the integrated development of hydro, wind, and solar power.