RismadarVoice Reporters, September 1, 2026
China’s rapid expansion of renewable energy has reached a new milestone, with solar power capacity surpassing coal-fired power capacity for the first time, marking a major shift in the country’s energy landscape.
Data from China’s National Energy Administration showed that installed solar power capacity reached about 1.286 billion kilowatts by the end of July 2026, slightly exceeding coal-fired power capacity of 1.285 billion kilowatts.
The development reflects years of large-scale investment in renewable energy infrastructure, as China continues to expand solar and wind power while reducing the share of coal in its electricity mix. Renewable energy accounted for 41.2% of China’s electricity generation in the first half of 2026, while coal-fired power generation fell below half of total output for the first time.
China installed record amounts of renewable capacity in recent years, including hundreds of gigawatts of solar and wind power, making it the world’s largest renewable energy market.
Despite the growth of clean energy, coal remains an important part of China’s power system, particularly as the country manages rising electricity demand from industries, electric vehicles and technology infrastructure. Analysts say coal plants are increasingly being used to provide backup support when renewable sources fluctuate.
China, the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, has pledged to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 as part of its long-term energy transition strategy.
