The Chinese government has announced plans to triple the amount of installed solar capacity to 70 GW by 2017, according to breaking news being reported by the Power Engineering International website.

According to the report, the country's National Development and Reform Commission has stated its intent to reach the 70 GW target – up from 20 GW at the end of 2013 – within three years and has also committed to installing 150 GW of wind power over the same period.

The statement goes on to outline plans for 11 GW of biomass capacity and 330 GW of hydro by 2017 as well as a rise in nuclear capacity to 50 GW and an expansion in natural gas supply to 330 billion cubic metres.