China Targets 50 Percent Non-Fossil Energy Share by 2030

The Government of China has issued a national power sector development plan for 2026-2030, targeting a 50 percent share of electricity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030. Jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration, the strategy aims to increase solar and wind power production by 53 percent, reaching 1.8 billion tons of coal equivalent by 2030. The plan includes expanding hydropower to 570 GW, nuclear power to 110 million kilowatts, and green hydrogen production to 2 million metric tons.

Recent data indicates a shift in the energy mix, with coal's share of power generation falling below 50 percent for the first time in recent history during the first half of 2026. The China Electricity Council projects that solar power may surpass coal as the primary source of electricity capacity by the third quarter of 2026, with installations potentially reaching 4,300 gigawatts by year-end. The government also intends to build a charging network for 110 million electric vehicles.

Despite these targets, China continues to expand its coal sector to maintain grid stability, which contributed to a rise in power-sector emissions in early 2026. Rising electricity demand from AI data centers and electric vehicles may further increase short-term coal use. While the state aims to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reach neutrality by 2060, Greenpeace East Asia has urged the government to adopt more aggressive targets, suggesting a 33 percent wind and solar share by 2028.