For the first time, coal power's share of China's total electricity generation has fallen below 50%.
According to the National Energy Administration, coal power generation reached 2.5 trillion kWh in the first half of this year, accounting for 49.7% of total electricity generation, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV on July 31. This marks the first time that coal's share has dipped below 50%. The National Energy Administration stated, "This is a result of China's long-term policy to expand renewable energy generation."
In the first half of this year, renewable energy accounted for 41.2% of China's electricity generation, surpassing 40% for the first time. Wind and solar energy contributed 24.6%, more than doubling from 9.7% in 2020.
China aims to increase the share of wind and solar energy to 30% of total electricity production by 2030. However, industry experts predict this target could be reached as early as 2028. As of the end of June this year, China's installed capacity for wind and solar power was 1.95 billion kW, a 16.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
Additionally, the National Energy Administration reported that investments in power grid construction have increased by 13.5% compared to last year, driven by the full-scale development of new power grids. Investments in electric vehicle charging and battery swapping infrastructure rose by 21.8%, while investments in energy storage systems (ESS) surged by 74.3%. Notably, investment in hydrogen energy exceeded a growth rate of 160%, continuing its rapid expansion.
In the first half of this year, China's crude oil production increased by 0.9% year-on-year, while natural gas production rose by 1.6%. In contrast, coal production decreased by 1.7%. The total capacity of power generation facilities has surpassed 4 billion kW, maintaining the largest scale among major global economies.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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