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China’s combined installed capacity for wind and solar power surpassed 1,800 gigawatts for the first time last year, further widening the gap with thermal power, which primarily relies on fossil fuels.
According to data released by the National Energy Administration yesterday, the country’s total wind and solar power capacity reached 1,840 GW by the end of 2025. Solar power capacity alone experienced a 35% increase to 1,200 GW, while wind power grew by 23% to 640 GW compared to the previous year. These two sources remain the fastest-growing types of power generation in the nation.
By December 31, the percentage of wind and solar capacity out of the total energy capacity in China rose to just over 47%.
Last year, wind and solar power surpassed thermal power in installed capacity for the first time, in the first quarter. As of March 31, 2025, China’s wind and solar capacity was 1,482 GW, compared to 1,451 GW for thermal power.
Since then, the difference has continued to grow, reaching approximately 300 GW by December 31, when thermal power capacity stood at 1,539 GW, according to NEA data.
Over the past few years, China’s installed capacity for wind and solar has steadily increased. The country added 120 GW in 2022, 290 GW in 2023, 360 GW in 2024, and approximately 434 GW last year, including around 119 GW of wind power and 315 GW of solar power.
For many years, China has led the global market for wind and solar energy, developing the most comprehensive industrial chain. Its production and export strength in photovoltaic modules, wind turbines, and inverters rank first worldwide.
Over the past decade, China has contributed to reducing the average cost per kilowatt-hour for global wind and photovoltaic power projects by 60% and 80%, respectively.
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