China Becomes the First Country to Generate Over 1,000 Terawatt-Hours of Solar Power in a Single Year
BEIJING – Nov, 2025 – China has officially become the first nation in the world to generate more than 1,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) of solar electricity within a single year. This historic milestone underscores China’s leadership in renewable energy and signals a major leap forward in the global transition toward clean power.
Key Points
Solar Power Milestone
- China is the first nation to exceed 1,000 TWh of annual solar power generation
- 2025 solar output far surpasses that of the EU and the United States, according to Ember data
Capacity Expansion
- More than 210 GW of new solar capacity was added in the first half of 2025
- Total installed solar capacity now exceeds 1,100 GW nationwide
Drivers of Growth
- Expansion is driven by long-term national planning
- Strong domestic supply-chain leadership supports rapid deployment
- Continuous technological innovation improves efficiency and scalability
System Integration
- Large-scale solar bases are developed alongside distributed rooftop PV systems
- Ultra-high-voltage (UHV) transmission enables efficient long-distance delivery of renewable power
Global Impact
- The milestone significantly strengthens China’s energy security
- It accelerates global decarbonization efforts and the clean energy transition
Driven by Massive and Accelerated Solar Expansion
China’s achievement is the result of a large-scale, multi-pronged national strategy. A core driver is the rapid expansion of solar capacity:
- In the first half of 2025 alone, China added approximately 210 gigawatts (GW) of new solar installations
- The country’s total installed solar capacity has surpassed 1,100 GW (1.1 terawatts)
This pace of deployment is unprecedented and remains unmatched by any other nation in history.
Policy Support: A Coordinated National Framework
China’s solar boom is built on strong policy foundations, including:
- Ambitious renewable energy targets in successive Five-Year Plans
- Incentive structures attracting investment at national and provincial levels
- Global leadership in solar manufacturing and supply chain dominance
- Technological innovation that continues to drive down solar costs worldwide
This integrated framework has positioned China as a dominant force in global renewable energy.
A Dual-Track Model: Utility-Scale and Distributed Solar
China’s approach combines large, utility-scale solar farms in its sun-rich western provinces with rapid adoption of distributed solar systems across the country.
Key initiatives include:
- The “Whole County PV” program, accelerating rooftop solar installations
- Expansion of industrial and commercial distributed solar
- Development of large-scale PV bases in desert and plateau regions
- Ultra-high-voltage transmission lines enabling long-distance delivery of clean electricity
This hybrid model ensures both massive generation capability and widespread local participation.
A Milestone in China’s Energy and Environmental Future
This accomplishment is a crucial component of China’s long-term economic and environmental goals. By prioritizing renewable energy, China is:
- Reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports
- Improving air quality and public health
- Strengthening national energy security
- Demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale renewable integration
China’s breakthrough sets a new global benchmark and provides a roadmap for other nations working toward decarbonization.