Green energy revolution sparked by political will

De Boer suggested the circular economy and recycling in renewable energy industry chains, especially as the early installations begin to retire, become key focuses of the revision.

"At the same time, we need to ensure that renewable energy doesn't have an excessive impact on biodiversity," he said.

Beyond its domestic impact, China's rapid expansion of clean energy spurred by this legislation has had global significance. By driving down component costs and turning climate action into an economic opportunity, China has made the global energy transition faster, more efficient and far more accessible to developing nations.

De Boer said the share of oil and gas in China's primary energy needs is now only half that of the United States or the EU, meaning China is better insulated from global energy price shocks than many other major economies.

Reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets, he suggested, offers a practical lesson for other nations.

The incredible progress in renewable energy sectors in China is one of the greatest contributions to climate action globally, as it provides the solutions needed by the entire world, De Boer said.

"China has helped to turn climate action from a burden into an economic opportunity," he said.

"Without China's clean energy achievements, the global energy transition would be more expensive, less efficient and take much longer."

houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn