China's electricity consumption is expected to surpass 10,000 TWh in 2025, reaching a record high, Xinhua News reported, citing a projection revealed at a national energy work conference held in Beijing on December 15. 

The milestone would cement China's position as the world's second largest power consumer, with the total power usage exceeding the combined power consumption of the EU, Russia, India, and Japan in 2024, as per the report.

The rising power demand was partially driven by high-tech and advanced manufacturing industries. In January-November this year, power use in sectors such as new energy vehicle manufacturing and wind power equipment manufacturing jumped more than 20-30% from a year ago, while that in the internet and related services sector surged more than 30%.

The record-breaking power demand has also become increasingly green, as the country accelerated its clean energy transition this year. This is backed by robust green investment, leapfrog development of the new energy sector, and rapid construction of major hydropower and nuclear power projects.

China's newly installed wind and solar power capacity is expected to hit 370 GW in 2025, with the utilization rate remaining above 94%. Wind and solar power are forecasted to account for 22% of the nation's total electricity consumption.

Looking ahead to 2026, China will further increase the new energy supply share, with the goal of adding more than 200 GW of new wind and solar power capacity, said Wang Hongzhi, head of the National Energy Administration.

Meanwhile, the country is set to promote the construction of more major hydropower projects, develop nuclear power in an orderly manner, and strengthen the clean and efficient use of fossil fuels, Wang added.