China's Solar Capacity Overtakes Coal for First Time; Renewables Hit 41.2% of Generation

In H1 2026, China's installed solar capacity surpassed coal for the first time, with renewables reaching 41.2% of total generation and coal's share falling below 50%. This marks a structural shift in the world's largest energy consumer, though the pace of coal phase-down remains uncertain. The development signals accelerating energy transition with implications for global coal demand and emissions.