Key facts
- China's 15th Five-Year Plan for renewable energy development (2026-2030) has been released.
- By 2030, total renewable energy consumption is targeted at 1.8 billion tonnes of standard coal equivalent.
- Total installed capacity of renewable energy power generation is projected to reach 3.5 billion kW by 2030.
- Combined installed capacity for wind and solar power is expected to exceed 2.8 billion kW.
- The plan aims for non-power renewable energy use to increase 2.5-fold by 2030.
- Over 300 million kW of new reliable peak power capacity from renewable energy will be added.
China has officially launched its 15th Five-Year Plan for renewable energy development, covering the period from 2026 to 2030. The plan, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration, signals a new phase for the sector characterized by scale expansion, quality improvement, and reliable substitution.
Key targets for 2030 include a total renewable energy consumption of approximately 1.8 billion tonnes of standard coal equivalent. The total installed capacity for renewable energy power generation is projected to reach about 3.5 billion kilowatts (kW), with annual generation around 6 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh). Specifically, the combined installed capacity of wind and solar power is expected to surpass 2.8 billion kW, generating over 4 trillion kWh annually.
The plan also aims to increase the total scale of renewable energy used for non-power purposes by 2.5-fold compared to 2025, equivalent to about 150 million tonnes of standard coal. During the five-year period, more than 300 million kW of new reliable peak power capacity from renewable energy will be added, alongside approximately 100 million kW of newly commenced offshore wind power projects nationwide.
Hydropower capacity is targeted at about 410 million kW by 2030, while solar thermal power capacity is set at 15 million kW, marine energy at 400,000 kW, and pumped storage at 160 million kW. Officials indicated that by 2030, China's electricity generation mix will consist of half non-fossil fuels, nearly half renewable energy, and 30 percent new energy sources.
China intends to promote international cooperation in renewable energy, facilitating the global transition to green energy and the export of its green technologies. The country will support enterprises in developing and aligning with international standards and actively participate in global governance for green development.