China witnessed a significant rise in the share of electricity within its total energy consumption last year, according to the country’s 2024 energy development reports.

Electricity accounted for 28% of China’s energy consumption in 2023, marking a 6.7 percentage point increase compared to a decade ago. Reports attribute this surge primarily to a boom in electricity consumption within the high-tech and equipment manufacturing sectors. These industries experienced an 11.3% year-on-year jump in electricity consumption, surpassing the overall growth rate of electricity consumption in the manufacturing sector.

The reports also highlight a shift in China’s traditionally coal-dependent energy industry toward lower-carbon alternatives. Renewable energy reached a significant milestone, with China generating over 3 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity from renewable sources in 2023. This represents almost a third of the country’s total electricity consumption, double the amount generated in 2013.

These developments signal China’s commitment to its climate pledges and its transition toward a more sustainable economy. The increasing reliance on clean energy sources and improved energy efficiency contribute to lower carbon emissions and enhanced air quality.