In the process, China has achieved a historic first in its energy transition. With their first quarter of 2025 having seen their clean electricity generation reach an all-time high of 951 terawatt hours (TWh). It’s a notable 19% jump over the same timeframe last year. It’s a testament to the nation’s promise to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and expand renewable energy infrastructure.
Wind factories have emerged as the leading clean power source in China. They produced 307 TWh of electricity, or 13% of the country’s total electricity generation. This landmark accomplishment illustrates the increasing importance of wind energy as a key player in China’s larger energy picture. Driven by a huge increase in wind power, this drove a remarkable 4% drop in coal-fired power generation. Coal production fell to 1421 TWh, while gas-fired plant generation decreased by 4% as well, settling at 67 TWh.
Parallel to these changes, China is making huge strides in its renewable energy capacity. It is now building The Great Solar Wall across Inner Mongolia and other border provinces, due for completion by 2030. The project would be a significant step forward to create additional solar energy capacity. With more than 880 gigawatts (GW) deployed already, China is the undisputed world leader in utility-scale solar capacity.
Predictably in the first quarter of 2025, new capacity additions more than doubled solar and wind energy production. For the first time, these renewable sources beat hydroelectric power generation. Solar power topped the outstanding growth spurt at a record-busting 48% gain in output, reaching 254 TWh. This persistent rise now represents 10% of China’s overall energy generation. At the same time, hydroelectric production was up slightly (7%) to 226 TWh, and production from nuclear energy increased 13% to 117 TWh.
As the Chinese government continues to advocate for the construction of new coal-fired power plants through 2027, this decision is particularly perplexing when clean energy technologies and solutions have advanced rapidly over the last decade. This decision indicates a dual approach: while expanding renewable energy resources, China still relies on traditional sources during the transition period.
Today, China celebrated an important feat in its clean power generation, as its clean power share now stands at 39%. This accomplishment is a testament to the country’s dedication to a sustainable energy economy. China’s clean energy successes are continuing on a strong trajectory. Over 720 GW of solar projects are in the pipeline, including the remarkable Great Solar Wall, so there is a lot of sunny potential ahead.