China forecasts 600 billion kWh annual electricity rise while keeping coal in its 2026‑2030 plan

China expects an annual increase of about 600 billion kilowatt‑hours of electricity consumption during the 2026‑2030 period, according to a senior official of the National Energy Administration. The growth will be driven by expanding computing power, rising electric‑vehicle charging demand, and higher consumption in industry and households.

At the same time, the country's upcoming five‑year plan (2026‑2030) will maintain coal as a core element for grid stability and energy security. The plan reaffirms long‑term climate targets – a peak in CO₂ emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 – and aims to build a "clean, low‑carbon, safe and efficient" energy system. It calls for continued development of renewable capacity, enhanced storage, grid upgrades and demand‑side management, while allowing new coal‑fired capacity to avoid supply shortfalls.