China's Solar Capacity Set to Surpass Coal, Marking a Shift in Energy Landscape
China is on the verge of a significant energy milestone as its solar power capacity is set to surpass coal-fired generation capacity this quarter. As of June, solar power capacity reached 1,274 gigawatts (GW), nearly matching the coal-fired capacity of 1,275 GW. This development is part of China's broader strategy to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources. The China Electricity Council (CEC) reported that non-fossil energy power generation grew by 8.5% in the first half of 2026, with renewable energy accounting for 41.2% of the total electricity generation. This shift is a result of China's policy to reduce coal dependency, with coal's share in electricity output falling below 50% for the first time. 
