In a remarkable development, China has added as much new clean energy generation in the first half of this year as the UK produced from all sources in the same period last year. This surge in renewable energy comes as China continues to lead the world in wind and solar power generation, marking a significant shift in the global energy landscape.
Data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows a 5% drop in electricity generation from coal and gas in China in July, year-on-year. This decline reinforces a growing trend: China is investing heavily in clean energy, potentially positioning itself as a pivotal player in averting climate catastrophe.
In 2023 alone, China installed a record-breaking 293GW of wind and solar capacity. Analysts project that by 2026, solar energy will surpass coal as China’s primary energy source, with over 1.38TW of capacity. Electric vehicles are also gaining momentum, with hybrid and fully electric cars accounting for more than half of all new models sold in July.
Despite China’s continued investment in renewable energy, coal still provided 60% of its power in 2023. Though the rate of new coal plant additions is falling, the country continues to build new coal-fired plants, with 40GW added last year. However, the focus on clean energy suggests that coal may no longer dominate for much longer.
Some analysts believe China’s greenhouse gas emissions may have peaked in early 2023, following decades of rapid growth. If true, this would mark a major turning point in the global effort to combat climate change. Yet, the future remains uncertain. Economic factors such as the slowdown in construction and steel production have contributed to the reduction in emissions, but a resurgence in these sectors could lead to higher carbon output.
China’s actions are vital for the global climate agenda, as it is responsible for about a quarter of global carbon emissions. The world now watches closely to see whether China’s renewable energy boom will continue to offset coal power, determining the long-term impact on both its emissions and the global fight against climate change.