China in global wind power development: Role, status and impact

China is the largest power producer and consumer and has the largest installed capacity of wind turbines (WTs) worldwide. In the last two decades, China's installed capacity of WTs has exploded, significantly impacting its wind power (WP) industry and promoting the development of the industry globally. This paper examines China as one part of the world and elucidates its role, status, and impact on global WP development from a global perspective. Research indicates that China has become the global leader in WP, its WP development has greatly promoted the growth rate of global WP, and it has become an indispensable force in global WP development. However, the comprehensive capability of China's WP generation is not only lower than that of other major WP countries but also lower than the global average. China's WTs have low global recognition and are difficult to export. In addition, the proportion of WP in China's power structure is lower than that of most other major WP countries. Fortunately, these gaps between China and other major WP countries are gradually narrowing. The goal of this paper is to help researchers and investors better understand China's situation and to provide a reference for the rational investment in and development of China's WP.