China’s total wind and solar capacity outstrips coal, Rystad says

Wind and solar energy capacity in China has for the first time collectively surpassed the country’s coal capacity as of June 2024, Rystad Energy said on Thursday, citing data from the Chinese National Energy Administration (NEA).

The milestone is shown in the graphic below:

The research firm projects that by 2026, solar power alone will outstrip coal as China's main energy source, reaching 1.38 TW in cumulative capacity, 150 GW above coal.

Last year, China added a record 293 GW of wind and solar, driven by gigawatt-scale renewable hub projects. Coal power additions were about 40 GW in 2023, while the first half of 2024 saw only 8 GW of new coal capacity, according to Rystad Energy’s estimates.

After a record 216 GW of solar installations last year, China is expected to exceed 230 GW this year. Wind capacity additions are projected to be 75 GW in 2024.

"With strong renewable energy project pipelines in place, the country is on track to shed its reputation as the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter and power consumer. Solar energy will be central to this transformation, with advancements in supply chains, infrastructure and capacity additions set to surpass coal in future energy production,” said Simeng Deng, senior analyst at Rystad Energy.

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