In 2025, the People's Republic of China is experiencing a significant split in its electricity generation mix between fossil and low-carbon energy sources. A bit more than half of the country's electricity still comes from fossil fuels, primarily coal, which alone accounts for about 55%. On the other hand, nearly half of the electricity is generated through low-carbon methods. Among these, hydropower stands out, contributing nearly 14% to this share. Solar energy also plays a significant role, contributing approximately 11%, with the majority from utility-scale installations, followed by solar behind-the-meter at nearly 6%. Wind energy is generating over 10% of the total electricity, and nuclear energy accounts for close to 5%. This diverse mix reflects China's ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
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?
Electricity consumption is clearly on the rise in China. The latest data shows that electricity consumption has climbed to 7,401 kWh per person in 2025, up from the previous record of 7,050 kWh per person set in 2024. This represents a notable increase in consumption, emphasizing China's growing energy demands. Impressively, the country's low-carbon electricity generation has also surged, with 2025 figures reaching 3,137 kWh per person, compared to 2,741 kWh per person in 2024. This growth in low-carbon electricity is even more substantial than the overall increase, indicating a strong commitment to cleaner energy sources. However, the rising demand demands further attention to ensure that growth is met with sustainable and clean electricity.
Suggestions
To further expand low-carbon electricity generation, China should focus on extending its already substantial wind and solar capacities. Learning from regions that are leading in these technologies can provide valuable insights. Denmark's achievement in generating 60% of its electricity from wind power serves as an exemplary model for China's wind sector expansion. Similarly, China's solar sector can be inspired by countries like North Macedonia and states such as Nevada and California, where solar energy contributes significantly to their electricity mix, with solar accounting for about a third of their generation. Moreover, in terms of nuclear power, China can look towards countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear contributes over two-thirds of the electricity, further reinforcing the potential for a substantial clean energy future.
History
Traced through the years, China's history with low-carbon electricity is marked by significant growth spurts and a few setbacks. The early 2000s were characterized by a substantial increase in hydroelectric power, with noticeable growth peaks in 2004 and 2012. Wind power began to gain momentum in 2017, with impressive increases in subsequent years, leading to a remarkable expansion by 2025. Solar energy echoed this pattern, notably surging in 2022 and continuing to thrive by 2023. Despite a dip in hydroelectric generation in 2023, the revitalization of this sector in 2024 is commendable. While nuclear energy's part in this timeline was previously smaller in comparison, it offers significant untapped potential for growth, as demonstrated by leaders like France and Slovakia. This historical growth momentum highlights the importance of a continued drive toward low-carbon electricity across a wider range of sources.
