China’s Solar Power Generation Overtakes Wind for First Time

wgiw0akxfoy0t)]ng5rf(qyw_media_dl_1.png BloombergNEF, National Bureau ofArticle content(Bloomberg) — China’s solar power generation overtook wind for the first time last year as a boom in cheap panels continues to reshape the country’s grid and climate trajectory.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentThe nation produced 1.17 million gigawatt-hours of electricity from solar power in 2025, up 40% on a year earlier, the National Bureau of Statistics said in its annual report published Saturday. That edged out wind generation, which rose 13% to 1.13 million gigawatt-hours.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentThe rapid growth of renewables helped China meet its growing electricity consumption last year without the need to burn more coal at power plants, with thermal generation falling 0.7%. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentEven so, coal remains the dominant source of China’s power and the fuel’s share of total energy consumption fell only marginally in 2025 to 51.4%. Total coal consumption was 0.1% higher, likely reflecting the fuel’s use in the growing coal-to-chemicals sector.Article contentChina produced more electricity using solar last year than Japan’s entire grid, and panels now account for 11% of the nation’s total generation, compared to less than 1% a decade ago. That’s the result of the huge supply chain Chinese companies have developed and the versatility of the technology, which is quick to deploy and has been adopted in a wide range of locations — from vast desert installations to small village rooftops.Article contentStill, solar’s rise hasn’t been without complications. Most equipment manufacturers are struggling with losses because of overcapacity and low prices, while the influx of so much electricity in daylight hours means major investment is now needed in power lines and energy storage facilities to ensure the electricity doesn’t go to waste.Article contentArticle contentWind technology tends to produce power for more hours of the day than solar, meaning it’s only now being overtaken in terms of generation — even though panels have offered greater capacity in China for several years. Article contentOther key energy data from the statistics bureau’s release include:Article contentTotal energy consumption rose 3.5% to 6.17 billion tons of standard coal, while primary energy production grew 3.6% to 5.13 billion tonsCrude oil consumption rose 3.6% and natural gas use increased 2%, while retail sales of petroleum and related products fell 5.7%Carbon emissions per unit of GDP fell 5%, and electricity consumption increased 5%Article contentTrending Embassies evacuate in Middle East with Trump 'not happy' on Iran PMN Business Canada's housing market suffers largest price decline among major economies, says BIS Real Estate The (high) opportunity cost of paying off your mortgage early Mortgages This TSX top performer surged 18% this week with a potentially powerful 'catalyst' waiting in the wings, says TD analyst Investor Mark's disability payments end soon and his CPP payments will be reduced. What can he do? Retirement Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Embassies evacuate in Middle East with Trump 'not happy' on Iran PMN Business Canada's housing market suffers largest price decline among major economies, says BIS Real Estate The (high) opportunity cost of paying off your mortgage early Mortgages This TSX top performer surged 18% this week with a potentially powerful 'catalyst' waiting in the wings, says TD analyst Investor Mark's disability payments end soon and his CPP payments will be reduced. What can he do? Retirement