Since January 1, 2026, China has completely stopped importing electricity from Russia; even the minimal volumes stipulated in the current contract are not being purchased. This was reported by Kommersant, citing sources in the Russian energy sector.
Source: Gazeta.UA
The reason for the refusal was the rise in export prices: from January, they exceeded domestic electricity tariffs in China for the first time, making further imports economically unfeasible for Beijing.
Previously, the electricity export and import operator Inter RAO supplied excess generation from the Russian Far East to China. The contract was signed in 2012 with the Chinese State Grid Corporation and is valid until 2037, providing for the supply of about 100 billion kWh over the entire period, or approximately 4 billion kWh per year.
The pricing formula under the contract was not disclosed, but sources noted that the change in price ratio made exports unprofitable for the Chinese side.
Sources indicate that the resumption of electricity exports to China in 2026 is unlikely. At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Energy stated that supplies could resume if a new request is received from China.
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