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China’s solar power capacity surpasses coal for first time
TR🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/1/2026

China’s solar power capacity surpasses coal for first time

China's installed solar power capacity has exceeded that of coal-fired power for the first time, according to the National Energy Administration (NEA). As of the end of July 2026, solar power capacity reached 1.286 billion kilowatts, surpassing coal's 1.285 billion kilowatts. This marks a significant shift in China's energy landscape, which has historically relied heavily on coal as its main power source. Despite being the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China has committed to peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The country experienced a nearly 2% decline in coal-fired power generation in 2025, while renewable energy installations, particularly solar and wind, have grown rapidly. In 2025, China added a record 315 gigawatts of solar power and 119 gigawatts of wind power, accounting for over 80% of new power generation capacity.

A newly restored ancient theater in the southwestern Turkish province of Muğla has become the first archaeological site in the country to feature a solar power plant designed exclusively for nighttime illumination. The project, which combines historical preservation with sustainable technology, was unveiled after a three-year restoration effort led by the Culture and Tourism Ministry in collaboration with the Muğla Governor’s Office and Akdeniz University. The initiative allows visitors to explore the ancient Tlos theater after dark, offering a novel experience while protecting the site from the intense summer heat that typically limits visitation to daylight hours. The restoration of the Tlos theater began in January 2023 and officially concluded earlier this month. Officials emphasized that the work preserved the structure's architectural integrity while integrating a solar energy system to provide lighting for evening visits. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy highlighted the significance of the project, stating that it represents a pioneering step in merging cultural heritage with modern environmental practices. He noted that the solar-powered lighting enhances the visitor experience by allowing access to the site beyond traditional operating hours, thus boosting regional tourism. The Tlos theater, located in the Seydikemer district of Muğla, is part of a broader initiative by the Culture and Tourism Ministry to expand night-time access to major historical sites. This program, launched as a pilot in April 2024, initially included locations such as Ephesus, Hierapolis, and Side. By 2025, the initiative had already drawn over a million visitors, demonstrating its popularity among tourists seeking extended access to historical landmarks. In 2026, the program expanded further, covering more than 20 sites, including Istanbul’s Galata Tower and the ancient theater of Aspendos. The night museum initiative allows visitors to enter designated ruins using a national pass called Müzekart, which grants access from 7 p.m. until closing time. Those arriving after the last ticket sales at 6:45 p.m. still benefit from the night program. However, the ministry temporarily halts night access during scheduled events at these sites. The success of the program has been attributed to its ability to attract visitors during cooler evening hours, making historical exploration more comfortable and accessible. In addition to the Tlos theater, other recent developments in Turkey’s tourism sector highlight the government’s efforts to promote cultural and historical sites through innovative approaches. One such example is the Kars Cheese Museum in eastern Turkey, which opened in March 2022 within the historic Cavalry Bastion. The museum showcases the region’s rich dairy traditions and has already attracted nearly 72,000 visitors in the first seven months of 2026, according to museum director Yeşim Koç. She anticipates exceeding 120,000 visitors by year-end. The Kars Cheese Museum spans 1,100 square meters and features exhibits detailing the entire process of cheese production, from grazing in the highlands to the final product. It includes displays on endemic plants, traditional cheese-making methods, and historical aspects of the region. The museum also highlights Kars’ status as one of the world’s top cheese-producing regions, with annual output of around 19,000 to 20,000 tons of gruyere and kashar cheeses. Local producers are increasingly targeting European markets, signaling growing interest in Kars’ dairy products internationally. Visitors to the museum have expressed enthusiasm about the blend of history and gastronomy offered by the facility. Many remarked on the immersive experience, noting how the museum effectively connects the region’s food traditions with its historical narrative. The success of both the Tlos theater’s solar lighting project and the Kars Cheese Museum underscores a broader trend in Turkey’s tourism strategy, leveraging historical sites and local industries to create engaging, educational experiences for visitors. These initiatives reflect a commitment to preserving cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary demands and environmental considerations.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

3 reports

Hurriyet Daily News logoHurriyet Daily NewsParty-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 858/29/2026
Solar plant lights up ancient Tlos theater

The Culture and Tourism Ministry of Turkey has installed a solar power system to illuminate the restored ancient theater of Tlos in Muğla Province, allowing nighttime visits. The restoration project, which took over three years and involved collaboration between the governor’s office and Akdeniz University, combines architectural preservation with sustainable energy. The solar lighting aims to enhance visitor experience by providing safe illumination during summer evenings and reducing the impact of high daytime temperatures. This initiative aligns with a broader 'night museum' program launched in 2024, which has seen significant visitor numbers at historical sites like Ephesus and Side. The program extends visiting hours for those with a national cultural pass, offering a model for integrating green technology with cultural heritage.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about a government-led initiative without overtly praising or criticizing the policy. It focuses on factual reporting about the implementation of a solar power system at an archaeological site, emphasizing sustainability and tourism benefits. There is no clear slant,

Why factuality (90): The article provides specific details such as the location (Muğla’s Seydikemer district), the timeline (restoration began in January 2023 and concluded 'this month'), and quotes from Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. These details align with a plausible narrative about the project. How

Why objectivity (85): The article presents the information in a largely neutral manner, focusing on facts like the project's goals, collaboration with local authorities, and benefits to tourism. It avoids overtly promotional language but does highlight the positive aspects of the initiative, which may subtly favor the go

Hurriyet Daily News logoHurriyet Daily NewsParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 759/1/2026
China’s solar power capacity surpasses coal for first time

China's installed solar power capacity has exceeded that of coal-fired power for the first time, according to the National Energy Administration (NEA). As of the end of July 2026, solar power capacity reached 1.286 billion kilowatts, surpassing coal's 1.285 billion kilowatts. This marks a significant shift in China's energy landscape, which has historically relied heavily on coal as its main power source. Despite being the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China has committed to peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The country experienced a nearly 2% decline in coal-fired power generation in 2025, while renewable energy installations, particularly solar and wind, have grown rapidly. In 2025, China added a record 315 gigawatts of solar power and 119 gigawatts of wind power, accounting for over 80% of new power generation capacity.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding China's energy transition, citing official figures from the National Energy Administration. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The content focuses on statistical milestones and policy goals, such

Why factuality (85): The article reports that China's solar power capacity surpassed coal for the first time, citing the National Energy Administration (NEA) as the source. It provides specific figures and contextualizes the significance of the milestone within China's broader energy transition. The numbers align with t

Why objectivity (75): The article presents the milestone neutrally but frames it within the context of China's climate commitments and energy transition, which can be seen as subtly supportive of renewable energy goals. While not overtly biased, the emphasis on the significance of the milestone may lean slightly towards

Daily Sabah logoDaily SabahParty-alignedCenterFactual 80Objective 808/28/2026
Türkiye’s 1st thematic cheese museum puts Kars on the map

Türkiye’s first thematic cheese museum, located in the eastern city of Kars, has become a major tourist attraction since opening in March 2022. Situated within the historic Cavalry Bastion, the museum showcases Kars' centuries-old dairy traditions, including the production of gruyere, string cheese, and kashar. According to the museum director, Yeşim Koç, the facility attracted around 72,000 visitors in the first seven months of 2026 and aims to exceed 120,000 by year-end. The museum highlights the region’s unique flora, which influences the taste of its dairy products, and includes exhibits on traditional cheese-making methods, historical artifacts, and interactive displays. Local producers are increasingly targeting European markets for their cheese exports.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural development and tourism, with no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues. It provides factual information about the museum's operations, visitor numbers, and regional significance without apparent bias or ideological framing.

Why factuality (80): The article includes specific data such as visitor numbers (72,000 in the first seven months of 2026), the museum's opening date (March 2022), and details about the museum's layout and exhibits. However, some elements like the projected 120,000 visitors by year-end are forward-looking estimates rath

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone while presenting the museum as a successful attraction. It includes direct quotes from the museum director and mentions the collaborative efforts behind the project. However, the emphasis on visitor numbers and the museum's success might imply a slight

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