China’s Wind, Solar Power Capacity Tops Coal for First Time

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China had connected to the grid a total of 1,180 gigawatts of wind and solar power by the end of June.

China’s installed wind and solar power capacity has eclipsed its coal power capacity for the first time, in a landmark moment for the country’s energy transition.

The country had connected to the grid a total of 1,180 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar power by the end of June, accounting for 38.4% of its total power-generating capacity, according to the China Electricity Council (CEC), a trade body.

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China's wind and solar power capacity reached 1,180 GW, surpassing coal power capacity for the first time at 1,170 GW by end of June 2023.
Renewables now account for 53.4% of China’s total power capacity, with an expectation to reach 1,350 GW by year-end, far exceeding the 2030 goal of 1,200 GW.
Challenges include integrating this rapid renewable growth into the grid, necessitating power market reforms and advanced energy storage technologies.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

End of 2023：: Renewable power made up 51.9% of China's total power capacity.

January 2024 to May 2024：: Renewable power accounted for 80% of the new power generation capacity added during this period.

End of June 2024：: China connected to the grid a total of 1,180 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar power, accounting for 38.4% of its total power-generating capacity.