China's installed photovoltaic capacity surpasses coal for the first time

 

(ECNS) -- China’s installed photovoltaic capacity has surpassed coal-fired power for the first time, becoming the country’s largest power source by installed capacity, according to the National Energy Administration (NEA). 

By the end of July, China’s photovoltaic capacity reached 1.286 billion kilowatts, including 704 million kilowatts of utility-scale solar and 582 million kilowatts of distributed solar, while coal-fired power capacity stood at 1.285 billion kilowatts.

Photovoltaic power continued rapid expansion, with 13.73 million kilowatts added in July, up 43% year on year. From January to July, solar generation totaled 802.4 billion kilowatt hours, a 15.5% increase, accounting for 13% of China’s electricity consumption.

The NEA said solar power is playing an increasingly important role in ensuring supply and advancing the country’s energy transition.

(By Helen Mo & intern Liu Shuangjing)