In just over a decade, China has orchestrated one of the most profound transformations in global energy history. What began as a strategic response to national security vulnerabilities has evolved into a comprehensive "energy revolution," positioning the nation as the world's first "electrostate" - a powerhouse where electrification and renewables dominate economic and geopolitical landscapes.
Initiated by President Xi Jinping in the early 2010s, this shift has not only reduced dependencies on imported fossil fuels but also forged an unparalleled industrial chain in new energy technologies. By 2025, China's dominance in solar, wind, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs) has turned former weaknesses into weapons, enabling resilience against trade disruptions and potential conflicts.
This article delves into the essence of this revolution, enriched with key facts illustrating its scale and implications.
Historical Vulnerabilities: The Catalyst for Change
In 2012, China's energy landscape was precarious. The nation imported over 60% of its oil and a significant portion of its coal, making it highly susceptible to supply chain disruptions, particularly through chokepoints like the Malacca Strait. Per capita resources were starkly low: coal at 67% of global averages, oil at 5.4%, and gas at 7.5%.
This dependency posed a direct threat to economic stability and national security, especially amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and global commodity volatility. Xi Jinping, upon assuming leadership, prioritized an "energy revolution" to address "technological backwardness" and ensure self-reliance. The 2014 Energy Development Strategy Action Plan (2014-2020) laid the groundwork, emphasizing diversification and innovation in renewables.
By contrast, in 2025, while oil import dependency remains high at over 70% and gas at around 45%, coal self-sufficiency has strengthened, with China holding 13.3% of global recoverable reserves.
Coal imports dropped 20% year-on-year in November 2025, and overall imports for the first 11 months fell 12%, reflecting a pivot toward domestic production and alternatives. This evolution underscores how the revolution has mitigated risks, even as fossil fuels persist in the mix.
Xi Jinping's Vision: Building the Electrostate
Xi's directive catalyzed massive investments in electrification, transforming China from a coal-dependent giant into a leader in clean energy. By 2025, electricity has become the dominant source in buildings and surpassed coal in industry as of 2023.
The 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) accelerated this, targeting non-fossil fuels for 39% of electricity generation by year's end. Xi announced in September 2025 that wind and solar capacity would reach 3.6 billion kilowatts by 2035 - over six times 2020 levels - emphasizing energy security amid global uncertainties.
Clean energy investments hit over $625 billion in 2024 alone, dwarfing global peers. This has enabled rapid deployment: Renewables met 84% of new electricity demand in 2024, and in the first half of 2025, they exceeded demand growth, overtaking coal for the first time.
Total renewable capacity approached 2,200 GW by September 2025, up 27.2% year-on-year, accounting for over half of national power generation.
Unprecedented Growth in Renewables
China's renewable rollout is staggering. Wind and solar capacity doubled from 635 GW in 2021 to 1,408 GW by 2024, with 360 GW added in 2024 alone - over half of global additions.
In the first half of 2025, a record 264 GW of wind and solar was installed, pushing total renewables past 1,600 GW and surpassing fossil fuels for the first time. New power generation capacity is projected to exceed 500 GW in 2025, with renewables comprising about 400 GW - 91% of additions in early months.
This boom extends to exports: China's clean-tech industry was worth nearly $180 billion in 2024, dominating global supply chains. BloombergNEF's 2025 report highlights China's lead in manufacturing, reshaping trade flows amid tariffs.
Dominance in the New Energy Industrial Chain
China has built the world's most comprehensive new energy industrial chain, controlling critical resources from mining to manufacturing. This includes dominance in EVs, batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines, leveraging state support under initiatives like "Made in China 2025."
By 2025, China produces over 80% of global solar panels and holds monopolies on key inputs, enabling low-cost exports that undercut competitors. The Energy Law of 2025 further empowers retaliatory measures against restrictive nations, safeguarding this edge.
Geopolitical Ramifications: A Weapon Against the West
This revolution has profound geopolitical implications. China's electrostate status insulates it from fossil fuel shocks, enhancing resilience in potential U.S.-China conflicts.
By dominating clean energy, Beijing wields influence over global transitions, potentially weaponizing supply chains against rivals. As the U.S. imposes tariffs, China retaliates, reshaping geopolitics.
The LSE notes China's dual dominance: largest low-carbon fleet and supplier, influencing international energy dynamics. Amid tensions, this positions China to decarbonize the world while addressing overcapacity.
In conclusion, China's energy revolution exemplifies strategic foresight, turning vulnerabilities into strengths.
As renewables surge and industrial chains solidify, the nation not only secures its future but redefines global power balances. The West must adapt, or risk falling further behind in the electrostate era.
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Author: Slava Vasipenok
Founder and CEO of QUASA (quasa.io) - Daily insights on Web3, AI, Crypto, and Freelance. Stay updated on finance, technology trends, and creator tools - with sources and real value.
Innovative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in IT, fintech, and blockchain. Specializes in decentralized solutions for freelancing, helping to overcome the barriers of traditional finance, especially in developing regions.
