China's Renewables Top 40% of Power Generation as Coal Falls Below 50% in First Half of 2026

Water networks, a new-type power grid, computing networks, next-generation communications networks, urban underground pipeline networks, and logistics networks make up the "six networks." These six networks are an important lever for expanding domestic demand and driving effective investment, and a key vehicle for addressing shortcomings in urban and rural development and improving public wellbeing. The state has set out plans for building the "six networks," and related projects are continuing to advance.

In the first half of 2026, renewable energy accounted for more than 40% of China's total electricity generation for the first time, while coal-fired generation fell below 50% for the first time. One in every four kilowatt-hours of electricity nationwide was generated by wind and solar power. In electricity use scenarios such as household air conditioning, electric vehicles, and computing centers, part of the power comes from renewable sources including solar. The new-type power grid is being developed to be safer and more reliable, green and low-carbon, resilient, and intelligent and flexible. More than 90 billion cubic meters of water diverted from the south has been transferred northward.