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Solar power surpasses coal in installed capacity in China for the first time

For the first time, the installed capacity of solar energy in China has surpassed that of coal, according to officials and reports.

1 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Solar power surpasses coal in installed capacity in China for the first time — Archive photoPhoto: nmorao · Flickr · BY-SA

According to various sources, including the financial portal Cailian, the installed capacity of solar energy in China exceeded that of coal at the end of July 2023. This historic milestone makes solar energy the largest source of electricity in the country in terms of installed capacity.

Chinese authorities confirmed that the solar energy capacity now reaches 1,286 gigawatts, thus surpassing the capacity of coal-fired power plants, which had been the main source of electricity generation in China for many years. While exact data on coal capacity is not mentioned, it is important to note that solar now leads in terms of installed capacity.

Despite this achievement in installed capacity, it has been reported that solar energy is still at a disadvantage in terms of electricity generation compared to coal, highlighting the country's ongoing dependence on fossil fuel energy sources. Coal continues to play a significant role in China's energy mix.

In the past decade, solar energy has experienced substantial growth, contributing to this transition. This increase in renewable energy capacity reflects a shift in the country's energy policies, which are aimed at achieving a more sustainable future.

Nevertheless, China remains the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, with commitments made to peak emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The predominant shift towards solar energy is part of these efforts and commitments.

Information about this historic transition has been reported by various news platforms, highlighting an important moment for renewable energy in China. This evolution could have implications for the country's energy mix and its long-term climate goals.

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