China's National Energy Administration (NEA) estimates 2026 peak power load at
1.575–1.6 bln kW; widespread extreme heat could push the peak above 1.6 bln kW.
Industry expects 2026 electricity consumption to rise 5–6% YoY; supply-demand
should be broadly balanced, with seasonal regional tightness in summer.
Trillion-yuan grid investment under the 15th Five-Year plan is accelerating
construction of a new power system and expansion of green power capacity.
Experts say renewable integration and battery/storage build-out remain central
to the transition; coal and nuclear are needed to shore up supply near term,
while market-based policies must coordinate long-term security of year-round
power supply.
