Shanxi province, historically known as a coal mining powerhouse in China, is now rapidly transitioning towards renewable energy, providing an inspirational model for global energy shifts. This transformation underscores China's commitment to sustainability amidst growing global concerns over climate change.

In Datong, a city in Shanxi, a landscape once marred by mining activities has been rejuvenated with an expansive photovoltaic base. Covering nearly 50,000 mu, or about 3,333 hectares, this solar installation has generated over 12 billion kilowatt-hours of green energy since its inception in 2016.

Yin Xulong, chairman of Yingli Solar Co., Ltd., noted that this photovoltaic base exemplifies the country's energy transition. He highlighted that the project has proven the reliability of photovoltaic technology over its eight years of operation.

At the recent Taiyuan Energy Low Carbon Development Forum, Francesco La Camera, director-general of the International Renewable Energy Agency, praised China's pivotal role in the expansion of global renewable energy. He revealed that in 2023, China accounted for an impressive 63 percent of the world's new renewable energy installed capacity.

As of July 2023, China's total installed capacity of renewable energy reached 1.68 billion kilowatts, which now constitutes over 54 percent of the nation's total installed power capacity. Notably, in Shanxi, the proportion of installed capacity from new and clean energy sources rose from 33.9 percent in 2019 to 47.2 percent by mid-2024.

Additionally, the share of electricity generated from these new and clean sources increased significantly, climbing from 18.1 percent to 28.2 percent during the same timeframe. Shanxi's geographical and industrial advantages facilitate the harnessing of green energy, particularly through the utilization of coke oven gas, which contains approximately 60 percent hydrogen.

In recent years, leading companies in the province, such as Jinnan Steel Group and Meijin Energy, have ventured into the hydrogen energy sector, demonstrating Shanxi's commitment to innovative energy solutions. By the end of last year, the capacity for producing high-purity hydrogen from various sources had reached 31,000 tonnes annually.

Furthermore, the number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in operation in Shanxi increased to 885, showcasing the practical application of these new energy technologies. In July, delegations from Indonesia visited the province to learn from its energy transition efforts, signaling the international interest in Shanxi's model.

Putra Adhiguna, managing director of Energy Shift Institute, remarked that Shanxi's existing industries are being effectively leveraged as a foundation for green transformation, viewing this energy shift not just as a challenge, but as a significant opportunity.

Innovative developments were also showcased at the China (Taiyuan) International Energy Industry Expo, where technologies like intelligent mining systems were highlighted. In March, an intelligent platform was launched to integrate and analyze data from over 400 coal mines in Shanxi, enhancing technological advancements in the energy sector.

Due to advancements in intelligent mining technology, energy consumption per unit of GDP in Shanxi has decreased by 10.9 percent since 2021. Lu Junling, chief economist at the National Energy Administration, stated that China's cumulative installed capacity of renewable energy accounts for roughly 40 percent of the global total, while exports of wind and solar products have aided in reducing carbon emissions notably.

Lu emphasized the necessity for stronger international cooperation in energy fields such as wind, solar, hydrogen, and smart technologies, advocating for increased support for developing countries in their pursuit of green and low-carbon energy solutions. This aligns with global efforts to create diversified energy partnerships toward a sustainable future.