Over the period from October 2024 to September 2025, electricity consumption in the People's Republic of China showcases a diverse mix of energy sources. More than half of the electricity, approximately 58%, is generated from fossil fuels, with a dominant share from coal at around 55%. Low-carbon energy sources contribute to about 42% of the electricity consumption, with hydropower accounting for nearly a third of this share at roughly 14%. Solar and wind energies are performing promisingly, each contributing around 11% to the mix, further broken down with utility and behind-the-meter solar making up about 5% each. Nuclear energy plays a smaller yet significant role at nearly 5%. Additionally, gas and biofuels, although part of the low-carbon category, constitute lesser proportions at around 3% and 2% respectively.
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?
The growth in electricity consumption in the People's Republic of China is notable and encouraging. Recent data reveals total electricity consumption at 7,302 kWh per person, surpassing the previous year's record of 7,050 kWh per person with an increase of approximately 253 kWh. Even more impressive is the growth in low-carbon electricity generation, which reached 3,034 kWh per person. This marks an increase of 293 kWh compared to the previous year, signaling an expanding green energy sector. This upward trend is a promising sign that China is moving towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy framework, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Suggestions
To further accelerate low-carbon electricity generation, China should continue to expand its wind and solar energy infrastructure, given their already substantial contributions. Taking cues from successful regions could be highly beneficial. For example, countries like France and Slovakia, with their extensive use of nuclear energy providing up to 70% and 66% of electricity respectively, demonstrate the crucial role of nuclear in achieving high proportions of clean energy. Similarly, states like Iowa and Denmark have comfortably integrated wind energy, making up around 60% and 59% of their electricity needs. These examples reinforce the potential for China to focus not only on its strengths in solar and wind energy but also to embrace nuclear energy at a larger scale as part of an effective strategy to enhance its clean electricity output.
History
Historically, China's journey towards low-carbon electricity has seen substantial shifts. In the early 2000s, hydropower began to surge significantly, with changes in generation peaking around 2012 at 173 TWh. The focus shifted towards wind energy entering the 2010s, with notable growth around 2021 when wind energy saw a remarkable increase of approximately 188 TWh. Solar energy began making its mark more recently, with substantial growth in 2023, contributing an impressive 155 TWh. However, 2023 also saw a decline in hydropower, but this was quickly reversed in 2024 with a significant rebound. These developments demonstrate China’s capability to rapidly adapt and increase its clean energy generation, affirming the country's commitment to sustainable energy growth.
