Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Energy-related carbon emissions are a primary driver of climate change. Consequently, the global transition to renewable energy (RE) sources is accelerating as part of broader energy restructuring efforts. The power sector, as a major energy consumer, plays a crucial role in shifting towards a renewable-dominated, low-carbon energy future. As the world’s largest carbon emitter, China’s progress in RE development is critical to achieving global climate change mitigation and carbon reduction goals. This study conducts a systematic literature review, analyzing major academic publications from 2013 to 2024. From an initial dataset of 765 relevant studies, 183 were selected for in-depth analysis. We comprehensively examine the latest trends in RE integration into China’s power system and assesses its implications for sustainability and environmental impacts. Moreover, we highlight key challenges associated with the large-scale and high-penetration integration of RE, particularly in technical (e.g., voltage and frequency stability, power quality), regulatory (e.g., grid connection policies, resource siting), economic, and social dimensions. This study identifies existing research gaps and proposes future research directions to support the development of sustainable power systems in China and beyond, providing theoretical insights and policy recommendations for advancing global RE integration.</p>