Data visualization-based paradigm trajectory exploration towards development and shifts for China’s wind power policy

Energy policy plays a critical role in developing low-carbon and sustainable energy systems, requiring dynamic adjustments to address the challenges of different development stages. Despite extensive global policy practices, a systematic understanding of how renewable energy policies, especially for wind power, evolve across different developmental stages remains limited. This study constructs a comprehensive wind policy dataset derived from official policy documents and employs policy paradigm analysis along with keyword visualization techniques to investigate the evolution of China’s wind policy framework. The findings reveal that China has progressively adopted more refined policy mixes at each stage, responding promptly and appropriately to the wind industry’s evolving needs. Three core policy features identified include target decomposition and assessment systems, power subsidy reforms, and mechanisms for gradual improvement and reactive intervention. Drawing lessons from results and diverse international practices, three implications are outlined: (1) evaluate grid parity strategies considering regional heterogeneity; (2) design electricity market mechanisms explicitly tailored to integrate variable renewables effectively; (3) accelerate the development of zero-carbon flexibility resources across varying timescales. These insights provide a robust and transferable framework to guide policy formulation and evaluation globally, supporting a broader renewable energy transition.