China Sets 2030 Goal for 50% Non‑Fossil Electricity and Grid Overhaul
China's National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration have released a five‑year plan (2026‑2030) for a new power system. The plan targets that non‑fossil sources generate 50 % of the country’s electricity by 2030 and that total installed capacity reach 5.4 billion kW. It calls for integrating more than 2.8 billion kW of new renewable capacity, expanding conventional hydropower to about 410 million kW, nuclear capacity to roughly 110 million kW, and combined biomass, solar‑thermal, geothermal and marine capacity to about 65 million kW. A nationwide charging network capable of serving over 110 million electric vehicles is also outlined.
The plan includes measures to modernise the grid, improve flexibility and resilience, and promote coal‑unit upgrades that limit low‑load coal‑consumption growth to 25 %. Coal’s share of electricity fell below 50 % for the first time in early 2026, at 49.7 %, marking a milestone in the transition to a greener system. The roadmap emphasizes market‑oriented reforms, international cooperation and the coupling of power with high‑performance computing demand.
Entities: China · National Development and Reform Commission · National Energy Administration · People's Republic of China · Xiao Hongwei
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Combined installed capacity of biomass, solar‑thermal, geothermal and marine energy will reach about 65 million kW by 2030. (plan targets)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nuclear power installed capacity will be raised to roughly 110 million kW by 2030. (plan targets)
- [● 2 SOURCES] A charging network capable of serving over 110 million electric vehicles will be built by 2030. (plan details)
- [● 2 SOURCES] More than 2.8 billion kW of new renewable capacity will be integrated into the grid by 2030. (five‑year plan)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Coal‑generated electricity accounted for 49.7 % of total output in the first half of 2026, dropping below 50 % for the first time. (official statistics)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Conventional hydropower installed capacity will be increased to about 410 million kW by 2030. (plan targets)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Total installed power capacity is targeted to reach 5.4 billion kW by 2030. (new power system plan)
- [● 4 SOURCES] China aims for non‑fossil electricity to account for 50 % of total generation by 2030. (national five‑year power plan)