On Friday, September 27, local time, Tesla CEO and internet celebrity Elon Musk stated that China's industrial capacity has significantly surpassed that of the United States. Musk mentioned on X that industrial capacity is closely related to electricity generation, and China has already outpaced the US.
According to data from the World Energy Statistical Yearbook 2024, China surpassed the US in electricity generation shortly after 2005 and has seen a steep upward trend ever since. By 2023, China's electricity output had far exceeded that of the US.
Electricity is considered the lifeblood of modern society, supporting all aspects of daily life. From the invention of the light bulb to the ubiquity of smart homes, the evolution of electricity reflects human progress. Historically, the US led global electricity development, but China has surged ahead after generations of effort. For over a decade, China has maintained the top spot in electricity generation, with the daily electricity consumption of an average individual today being approximately equal to one person's near-three-year usage 75 years ago.
In 2023, the US generated 4.4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, while India produced 1.9 trillion kilowatt-hours. China's output reached an astonishing 9.4 trillion kilowatt-hours, more than double that of the US and India combined.
However, quantity alone doesn’t define progression in energy development; quality and efficiency are equally important. China has made significant strides in clean energy, with increasing shares of wind, solar, and nuclear power. These advancements lay a solid foundation for achieving ambitious carbon peaking and neutrality goals.
In contrast, the US, despite generating substantial electricity, faces challenges with aging power grids. Many critical infrastructures have surpassed their design lifespans, as highlighted by California's wildfires, which exposed vulnerabilities in the aging grid. This not only affects industrial electricity stability but also raises safety concerns.
Additionally, the US struggles with energy transition issues. Even with President Biden's vigorous promotion, coal and natural gas remain dominant in electricity generation.
