Solar overtakes coal as China's largest source of installed power capacity
Solar reached 1,286 gigawatts, or 31.5% of installed capacity, as China’s renewable buildout slowed after a policy overhaul.
- 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.
103 Articles
103 Articles
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Solar Surpasses Coal in China’s Overall Capacity
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Solar Overtakes Coal as China’s Biggest Power Source by Capacity
Solar Overtakes Coal as China’s Biggest Power Source by Capacity - Solar capacity has become China’s largest single power source, but the industry remains plagued by overcapacity, price wars and falling new installations
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