In the first half of the year, China’s coal power capacity experienced a significant increase, despite simultaneous advancements in renewable energy, as revealed in a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
Historically reliant on coal, China has seen a notable rise in wind and solar energy installations, sparking optimism about reducing dependency on this fossil fuel. Currently, coal comprises about 50% of China’s energy production, a decrease from 75% in 2016. However, the country added 21 gigawatts (GW) of coal power in the first six months, marking the largest such increase since 2016. Additionally, construction commenced or resumed on coal projects totaling 46 GW, with another 75 GW in various planning stages.
This expansion challenges China’s commitment to peak carbon emissions by 2030, potentially reinforcing coal’s significance in its energy infrastructure. Despite being the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China is also a leader in renewable energy. Christine Shearer, a GEM research analyst, commented on the persistent growth of coal power, noting the potential for sustained high emissions. According to Lauri Myllyvirta of CREA, numerous pre-approved coal projects from recent years remain unconstructed but now have improved grid operations to support them.
The growing coal sector occurs alongside a surge in renewable energy, which has met the country’s rising electricity needs. In the first half of the year, China installed 212 GW of solar energy, exceeding the entire solar capacity of the United States by the end of 2024. China’s goal is to install enough renewable energy by 2025 to match the electricity demand of both Germany and Britain. President Xi Jinping previously committed to controlling coal power expansion and reducing consumption between 2026 and 2030, although only 1 GW of coal power was retired in the first half of 2025, missing the target to retire 30 GW by year’s end.
The report’s lead author, Qi Qin, highlighted the influence of “powerful coal interests” in maintaining and expanding coal projects, potentially limiting the growth of renewables. Looking ahead, China is expected to outline its new emissions strategies and energy objectives within its 15th Five-Year Plan, alongside commitments for reducing greenhouse gases by 2035, ahead of COP30 in November.
