Shanxi Targets 100 GW of New Renewable Capacity Under 15th Five-Year Plan

Shanxi plans to accelerate its transition from a major coal-producing province to a broader energy hub during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), while keeping coal production broadly stable as a key pillar of energy security.

By July 2026, Shanxi's wind and solar capacity had reached 80.94 GW, or 2.47 times the 2020 level, with renewable and other clean-energy sources accounting for more than half of total power capacity. The province plans to add 100 GW of renewable capacity during the 15th Five-Year Plan, with more than 20 large wind and solar bases, each exceeding 500 MW.

Shanxi also plans to expand energy storage, targeting 3.9 GW of pumped-storage capacity and 14 GW of new energy storage by the end of the plan.

Coal output to remain broadly stable
Despite the push for renewable energy, Shanxi said coal will remain a key component of its energy system. The province aims to keep coal mine production capacity at around 1.3 billion tonnes/year and coal output at around 1.25 billion tonnes/year by 2030.

The province will focus on mine safety and intelligent upgrades while promoting deeper coal processing and greater integration between coal and renewable energy.

Coal-fired power to shift toward flexible generation
Shanxi is also accelerating the transformation of coal-fired power plants from baseload generation toward flexible and supporting roles.

The province has launched a coal-power upgrading program targeting a minimum operating load of 25% for existing units. By the end of 2027, flexible coal-fired units are expected to account for 82% of total coal-power capacity, creating about 40 TWh of additional renewable energy consumption capacity.

So far, 94 generating units have started flexibility upgrades, representing a 70.6% start rate, with total investment expected to exceed RMB 2 billion by end-2027.

Coalbed methane target set at 30 bcm
Shanxi also plans to expand its unconventional gas industry, targeting 300 billion cubic meters of annual unconventional gas output by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan and a 60% utilization rate for coal mine gas. The province aims to build a coalbed methane industry worth more than RMB 100 billion.

On energy efficiency and emissions, Shanxi plans a three-year campaign covering seven major energy-intensive industries, including steel and coal-fired power, targeting cumulative savings of more than 1.5 million tonnes of standard coal and CO₂ reductions of more than 4 million tonnes.