24 November 2014: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has published the first country report in its REmap 2030 series. Focusing on China, the study concludes that the country could expand its renewable energy consumption share of total energy from 13% to 26% by 2030, thus becoming the world’s largest renewable energy user.

Prepared in association with the China National Renewable Energy Centre, the report, titled ‘Renewable Energy Prospects: China,’ finds that the country could realistically achieve a 26% share of modern renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030. While implementing this scenario would require an investment of US$145 billion, it would result in savings of between US$50 billion and US$228 billion, if benefits from improved health and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are factored in.

According to IRENA, China’s current policies and investment patterns point towards a 16% share of renewables by 2030. The report finds that reaching a 26% share would be both technically and economically feasible. Under the higher renewables supply scenario, the share of renewable sources in the electricity sector would rise from 20% to close to 40% by 2030. In order to implement this scenario in the power sector, IRENA estimates that China would need to accelerate the growth of wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity and fully deploy hydroelectricity. China would also need to expand its grid and transmission capacity, and undertake an electricity market reform.

IRENA noted that the report, launched on 24 November, had “acquired special significance” after the joint announcement by China and the US on 12 November on cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which included China’s plans to cap its CO2 emissions and increase the share of non-fossil fuels in its primary energy consumption to around 20% by 2030. IRENA Director-General Adnan Amin stated that “if China acts now to implement more renewable energy, it can reduce air pollution, enhance energy security, benefit its economy, and play a leading role in fighting climate change.”

IRENA’s REmap 2030 series includes global and sectoral reports, and country reports. Country reports to follow include ones focusing on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the US. [IRENA Press Release] [IRENA Publication Webpage] [Publication: Renewable Energy Prospects: China] [Publication Executive Summary] [IISD RS Story on US-China Announcement]