Solar overtakes coal as China's top power source

In China, solar power has overtaken coal as the largest source of installed power capacity for the first time. This milestone was reported by multiple sources on September 1, 2026. The shift reflects China's rapid expansion of photovoltaic installations, which have now surpassed coal capacity. While this marks a significant step in the country's energy transition, coal still plays a major role in actual electricity generation. The news comes amid broader efforts by China to balance industrial growth with environmental goals.