Over the past twelve months, from October 2024 to September 2025, the People's Republic of China has been dynamically managing its electricity consumption with a significant portion coming from fossil fuels and a commendable share from low-carbon sources. More than half, approximately 58%, of China's electricity is generated from fossil fuels, with coal alone contributing over 55%, and gas and biofuels making up the rest. On the other hand, low-carbon sources account for nearly 42% of electricity generation. China's commitment to cleaner energy is evident as hydropower accounts for almost 14%, solar energy shines at a little over 10%, wind energy adds another 10%, and nuclear energy provides over 4.5%. These numbers highlight China's substantial efforts in mitigating the negative impacts of fossil fuels like climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and NBS and NEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in People's Republic of China?
When examining the growth of electricity consumption in China, there is a noticeable increase, moving from 7039 kWh per person in 2024 to 7289 kWh per person in 2025, marking an uptick of 251 kWh per person, which is significant. More notably, the latest figures for low-carbon electricity generation surged to 3039 kWh per person, up from 2740 kWh per person in the previous year, showing a substantial rise of 299 kWh per person. Such growth demonstrates a promising trend toward cleaner electricity and indicates China's potential to meet growing demands through enhanced green energy infrastructure.
Suggestions
To further boost low-carbon electricity generation, China should expand its solar and wind capacities, which are already contributing significantly to its energy mix. Learning from global examples, China can look to countries like France, where nuclear power provides an impressive 69% of electricity. Equally interesting, wind energy in states like Iowa also makes a substantial 60% of their electricity supply. Implementing similar strategies could further propel China's clean electricity initiatives. By tapping into both nuclear and solar power, China can secure a robust and sustainable electricity future, embracing technologies that ensure energy security and environmental protection.
History
In China's recent history of low-carbon electricity generation, significant gains have been made, particularly in hydroelectric and solar power. The early 2000s saw consistent increases in hydro generation, with peak growth around the early 2010s. However, 2023 witnessed a marginal decline in hydroelectric output. Yet, China showed resilience with solar power, witnessing a consistent upward trajectory since 2021. By 2025, solar and wind energy growth reached unprecedented levels, further solidifying their status in China's clean electricity portfolio. This formidable rise in solar and wind underscores China's commitment to a low-carbon future, propelling the nation toward cleaner, more sustainable electricity generation.
