China's energy security improved in the first half of the year, with coal output edging lower from a high base while power generation capacity surpassed 4 TW, the National Energy Administration (NEA) said on July 30.

Domestic oil and gas supply remained stable, with crude output rising 0.9% year on year and natural gas up 1.6%. Coal production fell 1.7% from the same period last year, which had a high base.

China's installed power generation capacity exceeded 4 TW, far surpassing other major economies, the NEA said at a press conference. The country has implemented province-specific measures to ensure power supply during the peak summer season, with supply and demand broadly balanced.

Effective investment in the energy sector maintained positive growth from a high base in the year-earlier period, supporting the broader economy. Grid and power transmission projects saw investment rise 13.5% year on year, while charging and battery-swapping infrastructure grew 21.8% and new energy storage surged 74.3%. Hydrogen investment maintained rapid growth, up over 160% from a year ago.

China's energy transition accelerated, with combined wind and solar capacity reaching 1.95 TW by end-June, up 16.8% from a year earlier. Renewable power generation accounted for about 40% of total electricity output in the first half, exceeding combined consumption of the tertiary sector and urban and rural households. Wind and solar generation surpassed 1.2 TWh, roughly a quarter of total electricity use.

Coal-fired power generation fell to 2.5 TWh in the first six months, accounting for 49.7% of total output — the first time the share dropped below 50% for a half-year period, marking a milestone in China's shift away from fossil fuels.