China has set a new benchmark in clean energy leadership, generating a record 951 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean electricity in the first quarter of 2025—a 19% year-on-year increase, according to energy think tank Ember. This marks a pivotal moment in China’s ESG and carbon neutral strategy, with clean energy now accounting for 39% of the country’s power mix, up from 34% in Q1 2024. 

The largest contributor to this surge is solar energy, which skyrocketed 48% year-on-year to 254 TWh, while wind power generated 307 TWh, capturing a record 13% share of total electricity generation. For the first time, combined solar and wind output surpassed hydro, signaling a significant shift in China’s energy architecture. Nuclear power also rose 13% to 117 TWh, while hydro grew 7% to 226 TWh. 

China’s fossil fuel usage declined in tandem with its clean power growth. Coal generation, though still the dominant source at 1,421 TWh, dropped 4%, bringing its share of the energy mix down to 58% from 63%. Gas-fired power also fell 4% to 67 TWh, pushing total fossil fuel output to 2,445 TWh. 

China’s clean energy performance dwarfed that of its global peers. While the U.S. posted a 6% increase and Europe recorded a 5% decline in clean electricity, China’s 951 TWh represents a dominant acceleration in sustainable generation. 

“This surge underscores China’s expanding dominance in global clean energy,” Ember noted, projecting that 2025 will be another record-setting year. As solar and hydro production peak during the summer, China is poised to further its progress toward long-term decarbonization and global ESG leadership, reinforcing its commitment to a comprehensive carbon neutral strategy. 

Source: 

https://esgnews.com/china-hits-record-951-twh-in-clean-electricity-surging-ahead-of-global-competitors/