Historical Moment! Coal-fired Power Share Drops Below 50% for the First Time, New Energy Takes Center Stage

Published: Aug 06, 2026 14:55 (GMT+8)

Save

In H1 2026, China’s coal-fired power generation amounted to 2.5 trillion kWh, with its share of total power generation dropping to 49.7%. Meanwhile, nationwide renewable energy power generation approached 2 trillion kWh, accounting for 41.2% of total power generation, exceeding 40% for the first time. Among this, the total generation from wind and solar power exceeded 1.2 trillion kWh, accounting for roughly one-quarter of total electricity consumption.

The installed capacity structure had already undergone a shift: as of end-June 2026, the combined installed capacity of wind and solar power reached 1.95 billion kW, up 16.8% year-on-year. Nationwide renewable energy installed capacity reached 2.455 billion kW, accounting for about 60.7% of China’s total installed capacity.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM's internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or for more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Oct 16, 2026 15:53 (GMT+8)

[SMM Analysis] Post-Holiday Load Recovery and Elevated Coal Costs Drive Divergent Spot Power Prices

Electricity demand showed a clear transition around the end of the National Day holiday. From October 5, rainfall across southern China gradually eased, while cooler air pushed temperatures in parts of South China to some of their lowest levels since the second half of the year began. Between October 7 and 10, much of central and eastern China turned sunnier and temperatures gradually recovered, before a new cold-air system began affecting northern regions from October 11 onward.

Oct 16, 2026 15:53 (GMT+8)

Oct 14, 2026 10:06 (GMT+8)

【SMM News Flash】 EnergyPathways closes £1.75 million fundraising to advance MESH storage project

October 13, EnergyPathways announced the closing of its previously launched fundraising, raising £1.75 million from one institutional investor at 5.75 pence per share. Proceeds are intended to advance MESH, acquire key assets including land and existing pipelines, and provide working capital. MESH combines planned compressed-air energy storage with natural gas and hydrogen storage, with a 300 MW/55 GWh long-duration storage configuration. Hydrogen operations are targeted for 2029–2030 and long-duration storage for 2031–2032, subject to policy, approvals and financing. The placing also remains conditional on admission of the new shares, among other conditions.

Oct 14, 2026 10:06 (GMT+8)

Oct 14, 2026 10:05 (GMT+8)

【SMM News Flash】 India's CEA chief flags possible increase in planned coal capacity additions

October 13, Central Electricity Authority Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad told an Indian Chamber of Commerce event that India’s coal capacity additions required by 2035 could rise from the previously planned 97 GW to 105 GW or even 150 GW. These additions use 2023 as the baseline, reflecting rising demand and lower hydropower output. Prasad also said renewable capacity would continue expanding, with annual additions expected to exceed 50 GW. In September, India’s electricity shortfall reached 560 million kWh, coal generation rose 13.3% year on year and hydropower generation fell 20%.

Oct 14, 2026 10:05 (GMT+8)