BUSINESS

China Moves to Bundle Coal Plants With Renewables as Grid Pressures Grow

Published: Oct. 22, 2026 6:28 p.m. GMT+8

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A clean coal power project under construction in Yinchuan, Ningxia. Photo: VCG

China is moving to link coal-fired power plants more closely with wind and solar projects, seeking to use the country’s vast fleet of coal generators to absorb more renewable electricity as clean-energy capacity surges.

The National Energy Administration on Wednesday issued guidelines encouraging five models of cooperation between coal and renewable power, including upgrades that allow coal plants to operate more flexibly, direct connections between renewable projects and coal plants, and joint operation of offshore wind with coastal coal-fired facilities.

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China's National Energy Administration issued guidelines for five coal-renewable integration models, including flexibility upgrades and shared transmission infrastructure.
Solar capacity hit 1.29 billion kW by end-July, surpassing coal as top installed source (31.5%); wind/solar utilization fell to 90.9% and 91.4% in first half of 2026.
Integrated projects should cut annual carbon emissions by over 5%, with financial support and participation in electricity and carbon markets encouraged.

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