Slow power grid expansion threatens ener • Table.Briefings

Despite massive investments in wind and solar power plants, China’s energy transition could be seriously jeopardized due to the slow expansion of its power grids. The primary issue lies in the insufficient development of transmission lines, particularly the lack of long-distance power lines connecting remote renewable energy generation centers to urban and industrial areas.

In the first seven months of this year, China installed nearly 100 gigawatts of new solar capacity, surpassing the record set in 2022. However, experts are concerned that the slow pace of grid expansion could hinder the energy transition. According to the think tank Bloomberg NEF, global power grids need to be expanded to 152 million kilometers by 2050 to achieve climate goals – a doubling of the current length. This expansion would require 21 trillion dollars in global investments by 2050, with more than a third of these investments needed in China and the United States. If these two countries do not expedite their grid expansions, the energy transition could be seriously threatened, warn experts.

Slow power grid expansion threatens energy transition

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