• Clean power hits record 39% of China’s energy mix in Q1 2025, up from 34% last year.
• Solar generation surges 48% year-on-year, reaching 254 TWh, the largest increase among clean sources.
• Coal generation drops 4%, reinforcing China’s energy transition and global leadership in clean power.

China is accelerating its clean energy dominance, setting new records in the first quarter of 2025 that widen its lead over the U.S. and Europe.

According to data from energy think tank Ember, China generated 951 TWh of clean electricity from January to March—a 19% increase from the same period last year. Clean sources now account for 39% of China’s power mix, up from 34%.

“This surge underscores China’s expanding dominance in global clean energy,” said Ember.

Solar and Wind Outpace Hydro

Wind power led clean generation with 307 TWh, capturing a record 13% share of total electricity. Solar saw the sharpest growth, jumping 48% year-on-year to 254 TWh, and now accounts for a record 10% of total power output.

For the first time, combined solar and wind production surpassed hydro during Q1. Hydro grew 7% to 226 TWh, while nuclear rose 13% to 117 TWh.

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Fossil Fuel Use Falls

Higher clean power output drove a 4% decline in coal-fired electricity, which still remains China’s largest power source at 1,421 TWh. Coal’s share fell from 63% to 58%. Gas-fired generation also dropped 4% to 67 TWh, pushing total fossil output down to 2,445 TWh.

Global Disparity Widens

China’s clean energy growth far outpaced other major economies. The U.S. saw only a 6% increase, while Europe recorded a 5% decline in clean power.

“China’s clean power expansion in Q1 alone nearly triples U.S. growth and dwarfs Europe’s decline,” noted Ember. “This trend will likely intensify through the summer.”

With solar and hydro set to peak in July and August, China is poised to break more records by year-end—even as air conditioning demand lifts fossil fuel use.

“We expect 2025 to be another record year for China’s clean energy production,” Ember added.

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