Coal power share falls below 50% of China's electricity generation for first time

China's renewable energy sector extended its rapid expansion in the first half of the year, with renewable power generation accounting for a record 41.2% of total electricity generation for the first time, the National Energy Administration (NEA) said on Thursday. Coal-fired power accounted for 49.7% of China's total electricity generation in the first half of 2026, marking the first time the share has dropped below 50% for a half-year period, an official of the National Energy Administration said at a press conference on Thursday.