Building a New Energy Future Centered on Energy Storage and Multi-Energy Integration

China is accelerating the creation of a new energy system, one that puts energy storage at its core and embraces multi-energy complementarity.

In the first half of this year, renewable energy continued its strong upward momentum. Installed capacity and generation both reached new highs, underscoring China's position as a global leader in the clean energy transition.

By the end of June, the country's renewable capacity reached 1.32 billion kW, accounting for 48.8% of total installed power. This includes 418 million kW of hydropower, 390 million kW of wind, 471 million kW of solar, and 43 million kW of biomass.

Clean energy has become the main driver of new power installations, strengthening national energy security and advancing the transition toward a low-carbon future. "After high-speed rail, new energy has become China's second national calling card." Zeng Shaojun, Secretary-General, New Energy Chamber of Commerce, ACFIC.

Leading the World in New Energy Development

China now ranks No.1 globally in three key areas: installed capacity, generation, and investment. From January to June, renewable installations added 109 million kW, accounting for 77% of all new power capacity nationwide. Renewables generated 1.34 trillion kWh, driven largely by wind and solar power.

This success extends far beyond domestic borders. Exports of China's "New Three", electric vehicles, solar cells, and lithium batteries, surged dramatically. Together they grew 66.9% year-on-year, reaching over 200 countries and regions, proving that Chinese innovation is fueling global sustainability.

• Keeping the Lights on Through the Summer Peak

When hydropower output dropped due to limited inflows, wind and solar energy stepped in to fill the gap. They ensured stable electricity supply through the summer peak, demonstrating the system's growing resilience.

New energy has become a key pillar of China's energy security, shifting the focus from controlling total energy use to controlling carbon emissions. Behind this strength lies technological advancement and the determination of countless private innovators. "Many entrepreneurs devote themselves entirely to research," said Zeng. "It's their constant innovation that keeps China at the forefront of clean energy."

• From "New" Energy to the New Normal

For the first time, renewable capacity additions have surpassed fossil energy. This milestone marks a profound shift - new energy is no longer new; it is becoming the main source of national power.

Even amid global uncertainties, China's renewable system can confidently shoulder the responsibility of energy security. The next step is integration: connecting renewables and traditional energy across electricity, heat, cooling, gas, and water, and linking all stages from generation to control. At the same time, a new public mindset toward green, low-carbon consumption is taking shape, making clean energy the natural choice for modern living.

• Energy Storage - The Core of the New Energy System

Energy security remains a strategic cornerstone of national prosperity. As China’s energy structure becomes increasingly distributed, stability and efficiency now depend on advanced energy storage technologies. From thermal and hydrogen-based systems to next-generation electrochemical storage, energy storage has become the engine of the transition.

Hydrogen fuel cells, which directly convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity without combustion, are emerging as a key pillar of clean power. Meanwhile, thermal storage and battery systems are making renewable energy more stable and accessible to industry and households alike.

China is promoting both centralized and distributed storage models, integrating generation, grid, load, and storage into one intelligent system. Through innovation and digital management, the country is building a flexible and resilient power network capable of supporting high renewable penetration.

• Innovating for the Next Decade

Technological breakthroughs are reshaping the landscape every few years. The next decade will see major advances in perovskite solar cells, hydrogen fuels, micro nuclear fusion, and "liquid sunshine" methanol, all of which will redefine how the world produces and uses energy.

Perovskite solar technology, for instance, offers higher efficiency and lower costs, making clean energy accessible on an unprecedented scale. Hydrogen fuel, light and abundant, can store and transport renewable energy across regions and industries.

Micro nuclear fusion, compact, ultra-safe, and immensely powerful -- promises continuous clean power in the smallest footprint. And "liquid sunshine," a form of green methanol developed with near-zero carbon emissions, turns captured CO₂ and renewable hydrogen into a storable liquid fuel - a true embodiment of circular carbon innovation. These emerging technologies together point to a clear direction: a smarter, safer, and more sustainable energy future led by Chinese innovation.

• A Vision of Integration and Innovation

Energy storage lies at the heart of this transformation. It connects diverse energy forms, stabilizes renewable output, and enables deep decarbonization across sectors.

China's mission is clear: to build a new energy system that is:

• Centered on energy storage,
• Driven by multi-energy integration, and
• Empowered by continuous innovation.

Through this approach, China is not only powering its own sustainable growth, it is lighting the way for the world.