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China's Energy Shift: Coal Projects Rise Amid Solar Surge

2/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In 2025, developers submitted a record 161 GW of coal-fired power plant projects in China.
Domestic coal output rose by 1.2% in 2025.
Solar power capacity is expected to surpass coal in 2025.
Wind, solar, nuclear, and hydropower are projected to account for two-thirds of China’s energy mix by year-end.
To support the transition, Chinese authorities are boosting the grid with utility-scale batteries under a new subsidy program.

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Story summary

In 2025, developers submitted a record 161 GW of coal-fired power plant projects in China.
Domestic coal output rose by 1.2% in 2025.
Solar power capacity is expected to surpass coal in 2025.
Wind, solar, nuclear, and hydropower are projected to account for two-thirds of China’s energy mix by year-end.
To support the transition, Chinese authorities are boosting the grid with utility-scale batteries under a new subsidy program.