China's Solar Capacity to Surpass Coal by 2026

China's installed solar power capacity is projected to surpass that of coal for the first time by the end of 2026, according to data from the China Electricity Council, signaling a pivotal shift in the world's largest energy market even as the country continues to commission new coal-fired plants.

The milestone comes after a year of explosive growth in renewables. In 2025, China added 315 gigawatts of solar capacity and 119 gigawatts of wind, bringing solar's total to about 1,200 gigawatts by year's end. Coal capacity, meanwhile, reached approximately 1,333 gigawatts, but solar's rapid expansion—averaging 270 gigawatts annually over the past three years—is expected to close the gap this year. Overall, wind and solar together are forecast to make up nearly half of China's total installed power capacity by the end of 2026, with non-fossil sources, including hydropower and nuclear, accounting for about 63 percent. Coal's share is projected to decline to around 31 percent, as total generating capacity grows by more than 400 gigawatts to meet rising electricity demand.

This transition reflects China's push toward cleaner energy amid economic development. The country, home to 1.4...