Key facts
- China's total wind and solar capacity surpassed 2 terawatts by end-September.
- New capacity added in the first nine months was 170 million kW.
- Solar capacity reached 1.31 billion kW, wind capacity 700 million kW.
- Renewable sources generated 1.93 trillion kWh in the first nine months.
- Renewable generation covered 64% of China's new electricity demand this year.
China's total installed wind and solar power generation capacity surpassed 2 terawatts by the end of September, with 170 million kW of new capacity added in the first nine months of the year, according to the National Energy Administration. Solar capacity accounted for 1.31 billion kW of the total, while wind capacity reached 700 million kW. These renewable sources generated 1.93 trillion kWh in the period, covering 64% of China's new electricity demand. The country's leading position in the new energy industry chain is a result of significant investment and state support. Despite this growth, China remains a major hydrocarbon consumer and is pushing domestic companies to increase oil and gas production to offset potential supply disruptions.