Senator Markey Says It Makes No Sense To Cede Our Clean Energy Future To China – CleanTechnica

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Transition to Renewable Energy in the US

Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) has been a strong advocate for climate action in the United States. He recognizes the growing importance of renewable energy projects both domestically and internationally.

According to Markey, the United States is set to install 36,000 new megawatts of solar electricity and 8,000 new megawatts of wind electricity this year. Solar power is projected to account for 58% of the total new electrical capacity added in the US, while wind power generating capacity has significantly increased over the past 25 years, reaching 150.1 GW in April 2024.

Despite these advancements, the transition to renewable energy in the US still faces challenges. Markey acknowledges the skepticism from individuals like Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump, who question the feasibility of moving away from fossil fuels. However, Markey emphasizes that continuing to rely on fossil fuels would hinder the US’s progress towards a net-zero future and allow other countries, such as China, to dominate the clean energy manufacturing industry.

The US Push toward Clean Energy Production

The US government, under the Biden-Harris administration, has implemented various initiatives to support clean energy production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

• The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocates $65 billion for power infrastructure, including investments in renewable energy and grid modernization.
• Tax incentives and credits, such as the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC), have been extended and expanded. A new technology-neutral clean energy production credit (CEPC) has also been introduced to support low-carbon technologies.
• The administration has set a goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and has streamlined permitting processes for offshore wind projects.

These initiatives have attracted $370 billion in private-sector investments and have created approximately 335,000 clean energy jobs, according to Climate Power.

To further support the implementation of these initiatives, Markey’s office has launched a new online Climate Hub. The hub provides guidance on how cities, towns, organizations, and individuals can take advantage of grant programs and tax incentives included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

China’s Dominance in Clean Energy Supply Chains

China plays a significant role in the global clean energy supply chains, particularly in the production of electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries. Without access to China’s clean energy technologies, reducing planet-heating pollution would be more challenging and costly worldwide.

The Brookings Institute raises concerns about the US-China dynamic in renewable energy generation. While bringing renewable energy manufacturing back to the US is important, it may disrupt the global supply chain, in which China is a major player.

China’s Commitment to Clean Energy Sources

China has been leading the world in renewable energy generation, surpassing other countries in solar and wind capacity. Last year, China installed a record-breaking 293 GW of wind and solar generating capacity. Solar and wind capacity in China has now exceeded coal-fired electricity capacity, and solar power alone is expected to surpass coal as China’s primary energy source by 2026.

In the first half of this year, China added as much new clean energy generation as the UK produced from all sources in the same period last year. Clean energy accounted for a record-high 44% of China’s electricity in May 2024, pushing coal’s share down to a record low of 53%. Additionally, China has nearly twice as much wind and solar power under construction compared to the rest of the world combined.

China’s dominance in renewable energy production raises concerns about overcapacity and dumping, particularly in the solar industry. However, it also presents an opportunity for collaboration and learning from China’s advancements in green technology.

Overall, the US is making significant progress in transitioning to renewable energy, but challenges remain. The government’s commitment to clean energy production, along with initiatives like the Climate Hub, aims to accelerate the transition and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaboration with China and other countries will be crucial in addressing global climate challenges and achieving a sustainable future.

Source: cleantechnica.com