China consumed approximately 9.3 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2025, more than double the United States' 4.1 trillion kWh, according to official data. This milestone reflects rapid industrial growth and infrastructure investment.
- China consumed 9.3 trillion kWh of electricity in 2025, double the U.S. consumption of 4.1 trillion kWh.
- China’s grid operator raised capital spending to 1.2 trillion yuan ($165 billion) in 2025 for infrastructure upgrades.
- Over 350 gigawatts of renewable energy projects are slated for grid connection by end-2025.
- Copper demand in grid infrastructure is projected to grow 28% annually due to expansion efforts.
- Stock indices for major Chinese HV equipment firms rose 19–23% in 2025 amid policy-driven growth.
China’s electricity consumption reached a record 9.3 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2025, nearly twice the 4.1 trillion kWh used by the United States during the same period, marking a transformative shift in global energy demand. The surge aligns with Beijing’s aggressive push to expand renewable energy integration and modernize its national grid. To support this transition, China’s primary electricity transmission operator announced a capital expenditure increase to a record 1.2 trillion yuan ($165 billion) for 2025, focused on alleviating long-standing transmission bottlenecks between renewable-rich western provinces and high-demand eastern cities. This expansion is expected to accelerate the deployment of new solar and wind capacity, with over 350 gigawatts of renewable projects scheduled for grid connection by year-end. The initiative directly drives demand for critical metals: copper usage in grid infrastructure alone is projected to grow by 28% annually, while aluminum and rare earth elements are seeing increased procurement for transformers and power electronics. These materials are central to China’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The scale of China’s power consumption and infrastructure spending has significant implications across commodity markets. Global benchmark prices for copper and nickel have risen by 14% and 11% respectively since January 2025, reflecting investor confidence in sustained demand. Additionally, Chinese manufacturers of high-voltage equipment, including State Grid Corporation and Zhejiang Hydropower, have seen their stock indices rise by 19% and 23% year-to-date, signaling market optimism about continued policy support.