China's renewable energy generation surpasses 40% of total power output

Renewable energy sources accounted for over 40% of China's total electricity generation in the first half of 2026, marking a significant milestone. The National Energy Administration (NEA) announced Wednesday that renewable power generation reached nearly 2 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh), an increase of approximately 9% year-over-year.

Generation from wind and solar power combined totaled 1.25 trillion kWh, up 9.3% from the same period last year. In terms of installed capacity, China added 117 million kW of renewable capacity, representing 73.9% of all new power capacity added nationwide. By the end of June, the country's total renewable energy capacity reached 2.455 billion kW, exceeding 60% of its total installed power capacity.

Meanwhile, coal-fired power generation amounted to 2.5 trillion kWh during the first half. Its share of total electricity generation dropped to 49.7%, falling below 50% for the first time in a half-year period. This shift reflects a substantial change in China's energy mix, with renewables playing an increasingly dominant role.

The NEA highlighted the continued rapid growth in the renewable sector as a key factor in the country's energy strategy and decarbonization efforts.