China’s Electricity Generation Surges Past the U.S., Widening the Gap
August 7, 2025
Over the past quarter-century, global electricity generation trends have shifted dramatically, with China emerging as the clear leader. Data from Our World in Data shows that in 1999, the United States generated roughly 3,800–4,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually—more than twice China’s output at the time.
While U.S. electricity production has remained relatively steady for the past two decades, China’s growth has been nothing short of explosive. From under 1,500 TWh in 1999, China’s generation soared past U.S. levels around 2011 and has continued climbing at a steep pace. By 2024, China was producing nearly 10,000 TWh per year, more than double U.S. output.
This rapid expansion reflects China’s massive industrial base, rapid urbanization, and increasing energy needs. The United States, in contrast, has seen only minor fluctuations in demand as efficiency improvements and slower population growth have kept generation relatively stable. The widening gap underscores China’s dominant role in global electricity production and the broader energy landscape.
