China’s solar power capacity to surpass coal in 2026

Over 400 GW of new generation capacity is expected in 2026

China’s installed solar power capacity is set to surpass coal for the first time in 2026.

According to the 2025-2026 National Power Supply and Demand Analysis and Forecast Report released Monday by the China Electricity Council, wind and solar power combined are expected to account for half of the nation’s total power generation capacity by the end of 2026, China Daily reported.

The council said Beijing’s “dual carbon” objectives are driving rapid expansion in clean energy. China is projected to add more than 400 million kilowatts (400 GW) of new generation capacity in 2026, with wind and solar contributing over 300 million kilowatts of that total.

By year-end, the nation’s total installed capacity is projected at 4.3 billion kilowatts. Non-fossil energy sources, including wind, solar, and hydropower, are forecast to account for approximately 2.7 billion kilowatts—about 63 percent of the nation’s power fleet.

Meanwhile, the share of coal-fired power is expected to continue its decline, dropping to around 31% of total capacity, according to the council.