China has set a new record by installing a staggering 264 GW of wind and solar capacity in the first half of 2025, with plans to add approximately 600 GW throughout the year. This unprecedented growth, which doubles the installation rate from the same period in 2024, has global ripple effects, influencing the availability and cost of solar technology for consumers everywhere, including homeowners and tenants in Germany.
China’s Renewable Energy Milestone with Wind Solar Installations
In the first half of 2025, China added a record-breaking 264 GW of wind and solar capacity. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy expansion. The National Energy Administration (NEA) reported this achievement, noting that much of the surge was driven by developers rushing to complete projects before the conclusion of a favorable auction-free pricing mechanism in June 2025.
The NEA also announced plans to add around 600 GW of wind and solar capacity throughout the year. This ambitious target would result in a total of 1,680 GW of these renewable energy sources by the end of 2025.
Lin Boqiang, director of the China Centre for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, noted that this growth aligns with China’s goal of achieving peak carbon emissions by 2030. He highlighted that wind and solar power are crucial for meeting this target.
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Wind and Solar Power Surge with China wind solar installations
In the first half of 2025, China installed 148 GW of new solar power. This brings the total solar power capacity to 1,270 GW โ a 50% increase from the previous year and pushing the nation past the historic 1 terawatt (TW) milestone for the first time. The stunning pace of China solar growth is a testament to its industrial capacity. Wind power capacity also saw significant growth, with 116 GW added, bringing the total to 704 GW. This represents a 75% increase from the previous year. The combined capacity of wind and solar power now accounts for 44% of China’s total electricity production capacity.
This rapid expansion, underpinned by an advanced solar panel manufacturing process and a robust supply chain for key solar panel raw materials, is part of China’s broader strategy to transition to renewable energy. The NEA’s data shows that the share of wind and solar power in China’s total electricity production capacity has increased significantly in recent years. This growth is essential for reducing China’s reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
The NEA also reported that the total power generation in the first half of 2025 was 7,100 TWh. This is a 9.3% increase compared to the previous year. Solar power contributed 1,260 TWh, while wind power contributed 1,210 TWh. Together, wind and solar power accounted for 35% of the total electricity generated, up from 28% in the same period last year.
Fossil Fuel Reduction and Renewable Energy Goals for China wind solar installations
A landmark moment in this transition occurred in the first half of 2025, as total renewable generation (5,072 TWh) surpassed that of coal (4,896 TWh) for the first time in the country’s history. This tipping point is reflected in the overall energy mix, where the share of fossil fuels has decreased significantly. In the first half of 2024, fossil fuels accounted for 58% of the total electricity generated. By the first half of 2025, this share had dropped to 52%. This decline reflects China’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix.
Lin Boqiang emphasized the importance of wind and solar power in achieving China’s carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. He noted that these renewable energy sources are key to replacing fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions. Lin also highlighted the need to improve the efficiency of renewable energy systems and reduce waste in the power system, a process that involves optimizing everything from the basics of solar panel manufacturing to grid-level management.
The NEA’s report also included data on electricity consumption. The total electricity consumption in the first half of 2025 was 6,900 TWh, a 10% increase compared to the previous year. The manufacturing sector accounted for the largest share of electricity consumption, followed by the service sector and residential users.
China’s rapid expansion of wind and solar power is a critical step towards achieving its carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. The country’s record-breaking China PV installations 2025 demonstrate its commitment to transitioning to renewable energy. This growth is essential for reducing China’s reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. As China continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, it will play a leading role in the global fight against climate change.
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