US Halts Approval of New Solar and Wind Projects, China's Renewable Energy Capacity Leads the World
（2025/08/18—2025/08/24）
Author：Hao-Wang
International Energy News
1. US Halts Approval of New Solar and Wind Projects
On August 20, President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that his administration would no longer approve new wind or solar projects, declaring "The stupid days in America are over!!!" He claimed these projects "destroy farmland" and cause record high energy costs. This move is consistent with his long-standing opposition to clean energy. The announcement follows the federal government’s recent consolidation of renewable energy permitting authority, raising concerns among clean energy companies that many pending projects may be halted.
2. Istanbul and Athens Airports to Achieve 100% Solar Self-Sufficiency
Airports in Southeast Europe are leading a global trend toward green energy. The largest airports in Istanbul and Athens are advancing major solar projects with the goal of becoming the first in the world to be 100% powered by solar energy. This trend is widespread, with many airports in the region increasing their investment in solar power, leveraging the vast surrounding land for energy generation. Beyond solar, these airports are also adopting electric vehicle fleets, improving energy efficiency, and optimizing waste management to achieve full decarbonization.
3. Montenegro Launches Energy Reforms to Attract Renewable Investment
Montenegro has enacted two new laws, the Energy Law and the Renewable Energy Law, to align its energy framework with EU regulations. For the first time, the country is introducing a market-based premium auction mechanism to support renewable energy, creating a transparent and competitive environment for investors. This reform has already attracted applications for approximately 5.5 GW of wind and solar projects, with the first large-scale projects expected to come online in 2026. Montenegro aims to become a clean energy nation and plans to connect its power market with the EU via Italy by 2027.
Domestic Energy News
1. China's Renewable Energy Capacity Leads the World
China is leading the global green energy transition, with its renewable energy capacity now the largest in the world. According to the National Development and Reform Commission, the share of coal consumption has dropped from 56.8% in 2020 to 53.2% in 2024, while non-fossil fuel energy consumption has increased from 15.9% to 19.8%. As of the end of June, China’s total renewable energy capacity reached 2.159 billion kilowatts, accounting for approximately 59.2% of its total installed capacity and maintaining its position as the primary source of new power generation.
2. National Energy Administration: Northern China Achieves 83% Clean Heating Rate
On August 18, the National Energy Administration (NEA) reported that by the end of 2024, the clean heating rate in northern China had reached 83%, significantly improving air quality. The NEA, along with other government departments, will continue to support the development of new clean heating models, encourage investment from various businesses, and promote efficient technologies to increase public acceptance of clean heating solutions.
3. Xinjiang Launches 1 GW Solar Thermal and PV Pilot Base
China Datang Corporation has officially launched the nation's first integrated solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) pilot base in the "sand-gobi-desert" region of Hami, Xinjiang. This 1-gigawatt base aims to provide a testing ground for integrated solar technology in extreme climates, filling a key gap in domestic research. The facility features advanced and conventional PV as well as concentrated solar power sections. It uses various components and high-precision weather monitoring to create over 100 test scenarios, which will help optimize equipment selection and design for future clean energy projects in similar harsh environments.
(Main news sources: CCTVNEWS APP, International Energy Network, China Energy Network, National Energy Administration, China Energy News)
