Solar energy production went up by 40 percent, while wind power saw an increase of 13 percent.
China’s coal consumption stayed constant in 2025, representing the initial year within ten years where there was no increase, due to swift development in clean energy and changes in industrial structure transforming the nation's electricity network.
As per the Energy Institute's Statistical Review of World Energy, solar electricity production surged by 40% compared to the previous year, contributing an additional 336.5 terawatt-hours (TWh), while wind energy saw a rise of 13%, amounting to 133.6 TWh more.
The increase in renewable energy sources led to a decrease in coal-based power production, along with lower coal consumption in the steel industry.
In 2025, China added 315 gigawatts (GW) of solar power, approximately triple the amount of electricity generated from all sources in Germany. Meanwhile, electric cars accounted for over half of new vehicle purchases, highlighting the nation's growing move towards cleaner energy solutions.
The initiative forms part of China's larger "new three" sectors — solar energy, battery production, and electric vehicles — which have emerged as major contributors to industrial development and export activities, especially in developing economies due to excess supply within the country.
Electricity sector transformations gained momentum in 2025, as innovative market-driven approaches were implemented for wind and solar energy initiatives.
Coal power stations are more frequently transitioning from providing constant electricity supply to serving as adaptable support energy sources.
As of mid-2024, 360 GW of coal power generation had already undergone modifications to provide flexible services, with plans to complete all upgrades by 2027. The energy storage capability increased by 81% from 2024 to 2025.
Global oil usage rose by 2.8% in 2025, yet the expansion is mainly fueled by the chemical industry as electric cars lower the need for petrol and diesel. In the Asia-Pacific area, transportation fuel demand has mostly remained stable, with overall oil consumption growth decreasing to 1.7% per year.
Oil consumption in China increased by 2.8% in 2025, yet the composition of this usage is evolving. Although electric vehicles have notably lowered the demand for petrol and diesel, the rise in oil consumption is primarily fueled by industries outside transportation, especially the chemical sector.
Before 2023, within the previous ten years, transportation fuels made up approximately one-fifth of the increase in China's oil demand, as total oil usage grew annually by about 4.7%.
In recent times, within the broader Asia-Pacific area, the demand for petrol and diesel has remained stable, as the rate of regional oil usage increase has decreased to 1.7% per year.
Although China achieved record levels of domestic gas production, it continued to depend on imports for 37% of its natural gas needs, while maintaining its position as the fourth-biggest gas producer globally. Additionally, it stayed the leading refiner worldwide.