At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, China positioned itself as a green economy leader, proposing to cut emissions by 7-10% by 2035. The country dominates global production of clean technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles, despite being the top CO₂ emitter due to coal plants.
The recent COP30 meeting in Belém, Brazil, spotlighted China's commitment to energy transition. There, the country announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7% to 10% by 2035, while solidifying its global lead in clean technologies. China pours massive investments into solar panels and electric vehicles, with electricity covering about a third of its energy needs, yet it remains the world's largest CO₂ emitter due to coal-fired power plants.
On concrete progress, China aimed for 1,200 GW of solar capacity by 2030 and is on track to meet it. In the first six months of 2025 alone, it added over 210 GW of solar and 51 GW of wind capacity. At the same time, it is building an impressive transmission infrastructure with extra- and ultra-high voltage lines, supported by large-scale battery installations to balance the grid. This systematic technological innovation enables a balance where electricity demand nears coal consumption in residential and industrial sectors.
Chinese electric vehicles provide ranges over 400 km, charges under 10 minutes, and lighter batteries, even for freight transport, balancing electricity and fuel use. Over 84% of new energy demand growth is met with clean sources. Solar panel efficiency exceeds 24%, with advances in offshore wind and accessible storage.
This approach contrasts with Colombia, where energy supply stagnates and is inefficient and costly. China shows that production can expand with robust supply, through long-term decisions to lead global energy solutions.