REM: Chinese wind and solar power overtakes coal as the biggest contributor to its energy mix

China continues to consolidate its position as global green energy champion after wind and solar power overtook coal as the biggest contributor to its energy mix, as of June this year, according to data from the country’s National Energy Administration (NEA).

China has been investing heavily into renewable energy and two thirds of all solar panels in operation today are working in China. Together wind and solar are close to making up 40% of China’s generating capacity. Nevertheless, China remains dependent on coal-fired power stations to power its fast economic growth.

Rystad Energy’s analysis forecasts that by 2026, solar power alone will surpass coal as China’s primary energy source, with a cumulative capacity expected to exceed 1.38 TW, which is 150 GW more than coal.