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China's domestic energy landscape in January 2026 was defined by a record-breaking milestone in power consumption, which surpassed 10 trillion kilowatt-hours for the first time in 2025. This surge in demand coincided with a record issuance of green electricity certificates, underscoring a significant expansion of renewable capacity. Solar and wind power are now leading growth in electricity generation, marking a shift in the country's energy transformation. However, this transition remains complex, as development of new coal-fired power projects continues simultaneously, creating a dual-track energy strategy.
Internationally, China's energy security faced direct challenges, primarily from US actions targeting Venezuela's oil sector. The US moved to block Venezuela's oil exports to China, shifting control of the country's oil resources and forcing Chinese refineries to halt imports. This disruption has compelled China to seek alternative supplies, with a notable pivot toward Iranian oil, while global traders like Vitol navigate the altered supply routes. Concurrently, a significant reorientation in gas flows occurred, as Russia's Gazprom now supplies more natural gas to China than to Europe for the first time, driven by record daily deliveries via the Power of Siberia pipeline. In the broader strategic competition, the US and its G7 allies are advancing efforts to establish a new market for rare earth minerals to break China's dominance, including sourcing from countries like Venezuela to supply American factories.
2 topics | 55 sources
China is making major investments in its energy sector, with planned spending exceeding 3.5 trillion yuan for 2025, while pushing for more market-driven pricing mechanisms. Solar and wind power are now the main drivers of growth in China's electricity generation capacity, highlighted by large-scale projects like a major solar farm in the desert.
China's power consumption reached a new high in 2025, surpassing 10 trillion kilowatt-hours for the first time. At the same time, the country issued a record number of certificates for electricity generated from renewable sources like wind and solar.
4 topics | 64 sources
Jan 30
US actions in Venezuela affect oil shipments to China, raising supply concernsThe United States has taken actions in Venezuela that are affecting the country's oil exports. Ship tracking data shows tankers bound for Venezuela turning around, and reports indicate Venezuelan oil shipments to China are dropping. Chinese officials and commentators say the US actions break international law and are motivated by a desire to control Venezuela's oil. The situation has led to discussions about China's reliance on Venezuelan and Iranian oil and whether it can secure supplies from other sources.
Jan 13
The U.S. and its allies are trying to reduce their reliance on China for rare earth metals.The United States and other G7 nations are pushing to create new markets and supply chains for rare earth minerals, which are critical for manufacturing things like electric vehicles and fighter jets. This effort is aimed at reducing their dependence on China, which currently dominates the global supply of these materials. One reported strategy involves working with countries like Venezuela to secure alternative sources.