From July 2025 to June 2026, the People's Republic of China showed a distinctive pattern in electricity consumption. Fossil energy sources, primarily coal, made up a significant portion of the energy mix, accounting for more than half of the electricity consumed at 57%, with coal alone contributing almost 54%. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources were responsible for more than 42% of electricity generation, showcasing China's commitment to cleaner energy alternatives. Hydropower led the charge among low-carbon sources with over 14%, followed by solar power at nearly 12%, and wind energy close to 11%. Nuclear power also played a role, contributing about 4.5% to the low-carbon electricity generation mix, followed by smaller amounts from gas and biofuels.
Is Electricity Growing in People's Republic of China?
Electricity consumption in China is on an upward trajectory, showing significant growth over recent years. The latest figures report an average consumption of 7574 kWh per person in 2026, surpassing the previous year's record of 7401 kWh per person by 173 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation per person also experienced growth, reaching 3252 kWh in 2026 compared to 3137 kWh in 2025, marking an increase of 115 kWh per person. This remarkable growth in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption highlights a positive trend towards greener energy use in China, reflecting the country's increasing demand for sustainable development and its advancement in the electrification of its economy.
Suggestions
China can further bolster its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its current wind and solar infrastructure, given their already substantial contributions to the country's energy mix. In doing so, China might look to countries with successful low-carbon strategies. For instance, France and Slovakia derive impressive portions of their electricity from nuclear power, at 67% and 66%, respectively, underscoring the potential for nuclear expansion. On the wind front, regions like Iowa and Denmark generate over 50% of their power using wind energy, providing excellent models for scaling up. Additionally, states such as Nevada and California have employed substantial solar power integration, with each generating over 30% of their electricity from solar panels. These examples demonstrate the potential benefits of replicating such strategies to further advance China's low-carbon electricity generation.
* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.
History
Examining the historical trends in low-carbon electricity in China reveals a focus on continuous scaling of green energy. During the early 2000s, hydroelectric power saw significant growth, marked by noteworthy increases in electricity generation in 2004, 2008, 2010, and 2012, with each year experiencing additions between roughly 70 and 170 TWh. The years 2021 through 2024 saw rapid expansion in wind energy, with substantial increments recorded annually, peaking at 187.7 TWh in 2021. Solar power also made significant gains, especially in 2023, when it grew by 155.3 TWh. However, the only concerning aspect is the slight fluctuations in hydropower output, as seen in 2023, followed by a robust recovery in 2024. Overall, China's trajectory in low-carbon electricity is commendable, underscoring its efforts to fortify a sustainable and cleaner energy landscape.
* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.
Electricity Imports and Exports
Balance of Trade
* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.
Nearby Regions
.png)
