As reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the scale of China's solar power development is remarkable — the installed capacity of wind and solar power currently under construction in China is nearly twice the total of that in all other countries around the world. Behind this figure lies China's firm determination and efficient execution capability in the field of renewable energy. In 2023, China's solar power installed capacity surged by over 55% year-on-year, representing an astonishing growth rate. This leapfrog development is inseparable from the strong policy support rolled out by China. From the early subsidy programs that helped solar enterprises take their first steps and accumulate technological experience, to the current establishment of a comprehensive and rigorous industrial standard system and the meticulous planning of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) power plant layouts, every policy measure has laid a solid foundation for the industry's growth.
At the same time, China's solar industry has stood out in global competition thanks to its complete and efficient industrial chain. In the upstream segment of the chain, the stable production and supply of polysilicon raw materials have solidified the foundation for industrial development; in the midstream, technologies for manufacturing silicon wafers and solar cells are constantly innovated, with increasingly sophisticated processes; in the downstream, the efficient collaboration between module assembly and system integration enables the high-efficiency conversion from raw materials to end products. The close coordination across all links has significantly reduced production costs, endowing China's solar products with unparalleled price advantages and quality competitiveness in the global market. Coupled with China's strong manufacturing base and continuous investment in technological innovation, numerous enterprises have devoted themselves to R&D, repeatedly breaking world records in solar cell efficiency and driving the industry toward higher-end and more efficient development.
China's solar industry has not only expanded its reach in the domestic market but also actively engaged in international cooperation, achieving remarkable results particularly in supporting Africa's solar energy development and utilization. The 50MW Garissa Solar Power Station in Kenya is an outstanding model of China-Africa solar energy cooperation. Since its completion, this power station, like a bright star in the night sky, has greatly alleviated the long-standing electricity shortage in the region, injected strong impetus into Kenya's economic development, and become a key driver for boosting local industrial production and improving people's access to electricity. Meanwhile, the Solar Energy Demonstration Village Project in Mali, scattered across the African continent like twinkling stars, has brought light and hope to remote rural areas. The stable power supply has significantly improved villagers' quality of life — electrical appliances such as televisions and refrigerators have entered thousands of households, ending the darkness of rural nights, and public services such as education and medical care have been greatly enhanced with reliable electricity support.
Even more notable is the "Africa Light Belt" project implemented by China, a grand strategic initiative with far-reaching significance. It is committed to deeply integrating China's advanced solar technologies, rich project construction and operation experience with Africa's unique solar energy resources, building a solar power network covering multiple African countries. Through this project, Africa's energy structure has been gradually optimized and upgraded, reducing its reliance on traditional fossil fuels and embarking on a green path of sustainable development. This not only demonstrates China's leading strength in solar technology and strong construction capabilities but also vividly embodies the firm belief and profound friendship between China and Africa in jointly addressing global climate change challenges and promoting sustainable development.
With its rapid domestic development as the foundation and fruitful international cooperation as the wings, China's solar industry has firmly established itself at the forefront of the global clean energy sector. Looking ahead, as technological innovation continues to make breakthroughs, industrial scale expands steadily, and international cooperation deepens further, China's solar industry will undoubtedly play a more crucial role in the global energy transition. It will continuously provide "Chinese solutions" and "Chinese strength," writing a more brilliant chapter for building a clean, beautiful, and sustainable world.
