China solidified its position as a global renewable energy leader in 2025, with solar power driving record growth in electricity generation capacity, according to new National Energy Administration (NEA) data released this week.
Total installed power capacity reached 3.89 billion kilowatts by year-end – a 16.1% annual increase – with solar installations jumping 35.4% to 1.2 billion kW. Wind power maintained strong momentum at 640 million kW capacity, up 22.9% from 2024 levels.
While renewable expansion accelerated, average utilization hours for power generation equipment fell to 3,119 hours annually, reflecting both improved system efficiency and evolving energy demand patterns.
Analysts highlight that solar now accounts for nearly one-third of China’s total power infrastructure. This aligns with Beijing’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 through large-scale renewable deployment and grid modernization.
The NEA report underscores China’s continued dominance in clean energy investment, having built the world’s largest renewable infrastructure network. Market watchers anticipate further policy support for energy storage solutions and smart grid technologies in 2026.
