On February 5, the results release conference for the "Global Wind, Solar, and Hydropower Generation Capacity Outlook 2026" was held at the China Meteorological Administration. The report clearly predicts that China's total photovoltaic power generation capacity will increase by approximately 25% in 2026, providing critical meteorological data support for the development of the new energy industry. This report is a continuation of the collaboration between the meteorological and energy sectors. In 2025, the National Climate Center of the China Meteorological Administration, in partnership with the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization, released the "Global New Energy Power Generation Outlook 2025," which for the first time systematically achieved monthly and annual forecasts of global wind and photovoltaic power generation capacities, filling the technological gap in medium- to long-term forecasting for new energy.

At the global level, wind, solar, and hydropower generation capacities in 2026 are expected to show differentiated growth trends: the average available generation hours for wind power are projected to be around 2,310 hours, slightly lower than in 2025. Combined with capacity expansion, total wind power generation capacity is expected to increase by 6%. The average available generation hours for photovoltaics are estimated to be around 1,340 hours, showing a slight improvement compared to 2025. Together with capacity growth, total photovoltaic power generation capacity is projected to increase by approximately 25%. Hydropower generation capacity is expected to remain stable with a slight increase, growing by about 7%.

At the national level, wind and solar power generation capacities in China are projected to diverge, while hydropower water availability will vary regionally: the average available generation hours for wind power are expected to be 2,100 hours, slightly lower than in 2025. Driven by capacity expansion, total wind power generation capacity is projected to increase by about 2%. The average available generation hours for photovoltaics are estimated to be 1,320 hours, remaining largely unchanged from 2025. Supported by capacity growth, total photovoltaic power generation capacity is expected to increase by approximately 25%. For hydropower, water availability in the northwestern region is projected to increase in 2026, while the southwestern region may experience a slight reduction.

At the conference, Xiong Shaoyuan, Deputy Director of the China Meteorological Administration, pointed out that China's power system has entered a new phase of "new energy dominance." By the end of 2025, renewable energy accounted for over 60% of the country's installed capacity. Against the backdrop of energy restructuring and climate change, the demand for climate resource assessment and extreme disaster warnings in the new power system has become increasingly urgent. The deep integration of meteorology and energy has become a critical measure to ensure energy security.

Liu Zehong, Resident Vice Chairman of the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization, stated that the development of global renewable energy has entered a period of comprehensive acceleration. In 2025, global new renewable energy installations are expected to reach around 700 million kilowatts, representing a 20% increase compared to 2024. China has built the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system, continuing to lead the global green and low-carbon development process.