In 2025, more than half of China's electricity consumption, around 58%, comes from fossil fuels, predominantly coal, which accounts for about 55% of the total electricity mix. Low-carbon energy sources make up about 42% of the electricity usage, showcasing a commendable diversification towards cleaner sources. Within the low-carbon sector, hydropower leads with close to 14%, followed by solar energy, contributing approximately 11% to the grid, with both utility and behind-the-meter solar roughly equal in output. Wind energy is not far behind, providing nearly 11%. Nuclear power contributes a modest yet significant 4.6% to the electricity generation portfolio. Although the reliance on coal remains substantial, the transition towards low-carbon energy sources is noticeable and crucial for China's sustainable energy future.
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 of electricity consumption in China is evident, with the 2025 usage hitting 7401 kWh per person, a clear increase from the previous record of 7050 kWh per person in 2024. This rise indicates a notable growth in electricity use, driven by China's expanding economy and the increase in electrification demands. Particularly impressive is the boost in low-carbon electricity generation, which climbed to 3137 kWh per person from 2741 kWh per person in 2024. This represents a significant push towards a greener energy mix, driven largely by increases in solar and wind energy contributions. China's commitment to expanding its clean energy capacity is a pivotal step in addressing climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, China can leverage the successful expansion of existing solar and wind infrastructures. By looking toward regions with exemplary clean energy models, China could consider strategies from countries with high nuclear electricity shares, such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear contributes more than two-thirds of their electricity. Learning from Denmark and Iowa, where wind energy provides around 60%, could further boost China's clean electricity capacity. Expanding nuclear and solar capabilities will be instrumental in solving the dual challenges of climate change and air pollution, and regions like California and Arizona with notable solar adoption rates could provide critical insights for solar energy expansion.
History
Throughout the early 2000s, China made remarkable gains in low-carbon electricity, especially in hydropower, which had substantial year-on-year increments. For example, 2012 saw a leap of approximately 173 TWh in hydropower output. However, starting in the mid-2010s, growth in hydropower became less consistent, but advances in wind and solar picked up the baton. Wind and solar have seen impressive growth, particularly since 2017, with solar dramatically increasing in contributions, especially from 2021 onwards. Notably, 2024 marked a significant resurgence in hydropower, with gains of over 205 TWh. Such progress underscores the importance of a robust, diversified low-carbon energy policy, and the necessity to continue ramping up solar and wind, along with nuclear, to ensure reliable and sustainable electricity growth.
