According to the National Energy Administration (NEA), the country commissioned 104.9 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity between January and April 2025. This is the highest figure for the same period on record.

Dynamics of the energy sector development

During the reporting period, capacity commissioning by generation type was:

• Solar energy: +104.9 GW
• Wind energy: +19.96 GW
• Thermal generation: +13 GW
• Hydropower: +2.65 GW

No new facilities were commissioned in the nuclear energy sector.

Power Grid Structure

As of April 2025, China’s installed capacity is distributed as follows:

• Solar power: 992 GW
• Wind power: 541 GW
• Total renewable energy capacity: 1,533 GW (44% of total installed capacity)
• Total power grid capacity: 3,487 GW (up 15.9% year-on-year)

The combined solar and wind capacity reached 1,000 GW in December 2023.

Drivers

The accelerated commissioning of solar capacity may be associated with the upcoming introduction of a new market pricing mechanism for renewable energy projects from June 1, 2025. This change in the regulatory environment has prompted investors to step up the commissioning of facilities.

Forecast indicators

Industry experts give the following estimates for solar energy development in 2025:

• China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA): 215-255 GW of new capacity
• BloombergNEF: 302 GW (AC) or 368 GW (DC)

The introduction of new pricing rules creates some uncertainty regarding the further pace of development of the renewable energy sector.

Electricity consumption

According to NEA, electricity consumption in China in January-April 2025 reached 3156.6 billion kWh, which is 3.1% higher than the same period last year.