Solar overtakes coal as China's largest source of installed power capacity
The National Energy Administration said 1,286 gigawatts of solar capacity exceeded coal as rapid renewable growth continued despite slower installations.
- As of the end of July 2026, China's installed solar power capacity reached 1.286 billion kilowatts, surpassing coal-fired power for the first time as the country's largest power source, the National Energy Administration said.
- Coal has been China's key power generation source for decades, driving planet-warming emissions. The China Electricity Council flagged that solar capacity was just 1 GW behind coal at the end of June, signaling the imminent transition.
- Solar generation rose 15.5% from a year earlier to 802.4 billion kilowatt-hours in the first seven months of 2026. The country added 86 GWs of solar during this period, following a record 315 gigawatts installed last year.
- This milestone occurs even as the record pace of renewable installations has slowed significantly in 2026 following a policy overhaul. Investment in the sector is expected to top two trillion yuan over the next five years.
- The NEA said solar capacity and generation "have maintained a steady trend of rapid growth," playing an "increasingly prominent role" in driving the energy transition. China has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve neutrality by 2060.
55 Articles
55 Articles
The photovoltaic capacity installed in China exceeded for the first time that of the coal-fired power plants, becoming the country's largest electricity source category for installed capacity. This was announced by the National Energy Administration (Nea). At the end of July, the country's total electricity generation capacity reached 4,08 billion kW, with photovoltaics representing more than 30% of the total, having reached 1,286 billion kW, co…
Solar power plants in China have overtaken coal-fired power plants for the first time to become the country's largest source of electricity, the national energy authority said on Tuesday.
The installed solar power capacity in China first exceeded that of coal-generated energy, reported on Tuesday (1) the national energy body in celebrating the milestone. Government previews 'effective' surplus of 18.6 billion in the Budget in 2027 Budget of 2027: government confirms minimum wage of R$ 1,741 and contribution of R$ 6 billion in the Post Offices The Asian giant, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases that drive climate chan…
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