Emission-free sources have surpassed thermal sources for the first time.
The installed capacity of solar and wind power plants in China increased by 22 percent year-on-year in 2025, exceeding 430 million kW, marking a new historical high, according to data released on Thursday by the National Energy Administration of China.
By the end of last year, the total capacity of solar and wind power plants connected to the grid reached 1.84 billion kW, or 47.3 percent of the total installed capacity of all power plants in the country. For the first time, solar and wind energy surpassed thermal energy in this indicator.
Solar and wind power accounted for 22 percent of all electricity generated in the country throughout 2025.
Liu Deshun, the chief engineer of the National Energy Administration, stated that in 2026, as part of the country's efforts to accelerate the formation of a new type of energy system, the development of new areas such as energy storage will be encouraged.
By 2035, a new energy system with a high share of new energy sources, improved consumption and regulation systems should be established in China, according to guidelines published by the National Development and Reform Commission in November 2025.
