China to See Solar Capacity Outstrip Coal Capacity This Year
15 hours ago
- #renewable energy
- #coal power
- #China energy policy
- China's solar capacity is set to surpass coal capacity for the first time this year.
- By 2026, wind and solar will make up nearly half of China's power capacity, with clean energy (including hydro and nuclear) reaching two-thirds.
- Despite renewable capacity growth, coal still produces about half of China's electricity due to higher operational efficiency.
- Renewables are now displacing coal, not just supplementing it, as coal plants operate at a loss due to competition from cheap solar and wind.
- Coal plants are transitioning to 'peaker' roles, addressing demand spikes or renewable supply gaps.
- A surge in new coal plant proposals emerged last year, driven by fears of future restrictions on coal use.
- China faces a critical decision: curb coal plant construction and retire older plants or slow clean energy expansion.