China's Clean Energy Surpasses Fossil Fuels for First Time
China just crossed a historic threshold: more than half of its power generation capacity now comes from clean energy sources, driven by a decade of massive solar and wind investment. The world's largest carbon emitter is leading the global renewable revolution while racing to meet soaring electricity demand.
For the first time in history, China's clean energy capacity has overtaken fossil fuels, marking a turning point in the world's fight against climate change.
As of February 2026, 52% of China's operational power generation capacity comes from non-fossil sources like solar, wind, nuclear, and hydropower. Just a decade ago, the balance tilted heavily toward coal and gas.
The numbers tell an impressive story. China has installed more solar and wind capacity than the rest of the world combined, investing roughly $800 billion in energy transition projects in 2025 alone. That's more than one-third of global clean energy spending.
Right now, China has 674 gigawatts of non-fossil power capacity under construction. Leading the pack is solar power, with 234 gigawatts in development, a figure larger than all other countries' solar projects combined.
The clean energy boom is reshaping how the world's second-largest economy powers its factories, cities, and homes. China's massive supply chain for solar panels and batteries has made renewable energy more affordable and accessible than ever before.
The Bright Side
Yes, China continues building coal plants for grid stability and energy security, especially during peak demand or drought conditions that affect hydropower. But here's what matters: clean energy covered all net growth in electricity demand last year, even as coal generation declined.
The momentum is undeniable. China went from being the world's biggest polluter to becoming the undisputed leader in clean energy investment and deployment in just one decade.
This shift proves that rapid energy transformation is possible, even for massive economies with enormous power needs. When the world's largest manufacturing hub can cross the 50% clean energy threshold, it shows other nations what's achievable with commitment and investment.
The clean energy revolution isn't just coming—it's already here, powered by Chinese solar panels lighting up homes from Shanghai to Stockholm.
Based on reporting by Google: renewable energy record
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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