Renewable power capacity in Shanxi, China's traditional coal heartland, has officially surpassed coal-fired generation, marking a historic turning point for one of the nation's most carbon-intensive economies. The central province's installed new energy capacity surged to 90.48 million kilowatts in 2025, claiming 55.1 per cent of total power-generation capacity, Xinhua reported on Monday.
A profound energy transformation is reshaping Shanxi, where renewable power capacity has surpassed coal-fired generation. The province, with 48.3 billion tonnes of proven coal reserves accounting for nearly a quarter of China's total in 2024 according to a People's Daily report, serves as a litmus test for the country's broader energy overhaul.
Shanxi's installed capacity for new energy reached 90.48 million kilowatts in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 18.29 million kW, vaulting renewables to 55.1 per cent of total power-generation capacity. This milestone aligns with Beijing's 'dual carbon' strategy, using Shanxi as the ultimate proving ground.
Under the provincial government's proposals for its 15th five-year plan (2026-2030), released in early December, leaders aim to transform Shanxi from a 'major coal province' into a 'comprehensive energy powerhouse'. The blueprint balances maintaining coal's role as a 'bottom line' guarantee for national energy security while aggressively scaling up renewables, reflecting China's push for sustainable energy.