Beijing (AFP) - The installed capacity of solar panels in China has exceeded the capacity of coal-fired plants for the first time, the relevant administration announced Tuesday.
Published on: 01/09/2026 - 09:41
China, which is the first emitter of greenhouse gases responsible for climate change, has pledged to reach the peak of its emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
The National Energy Administration stated in a statement published on social media that “the installed capacity of solar energy in China until the end of July of this year amounted to 1,286 billion kilowatts.”
"For the first time, the installed photovoltaic capacity has surpassed that of coal plants, becoming the number one source of energy in China" in terms of installed capacity, she added.
She noted that the installed capacity of coal plants in China amounted to 1,285 billion kilowatts as of the end of July.
However, it did not clarify the actual production volume of each of the solar or coal-fired facilities in the same period.
She highlighted that the installed capacity of solar energy and the production of electricity from solar energy in China are “witnessing rapid and continuous growth” and playing an “increasingly important role” in ensuring supplies and in the energy transition process.
She added that photovoltaic energy production was 15.5 percent higher between January and July than it was during the same period in 2025.
© 2026 AFP
The content you want to browse is no longer in service or is currently unavailable.
