China’s Continued Reliance on Coal Despite Clean Energy Ambitions
Introduction
China, the world’s largest energy consumer, has been under the global spotlight for its significant investments in clean energy sources such as solar and wind. However, recent developments reveal a shift in its energy strategy, with an increased emphasis on coal-fired power generation. This comes as a departure from previous indications of a gradual transition towards cleaner energy options.
Coal Power Expansion
According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and the Global Energy Monitor, China commenced construction on coal-fired power projects totaling 94.5 gigawatts (GW) in 2024. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years and marks the highest level of coal project development since 2015. The report also indicates that new coal-fired power plants with a combined capacity of 30.5 GW became operational, though this figure is lower than the 49.8 GW added in the previous year.
Divergence from Global Trend
China’s continued expansion of coal-fired power generation contrasts with the global trend towards decarbonization and the adoption of renewable energy sources. While many countries are phasing out coal-fired power plants to meet climate mitigation targets, China is bucking this trend and increasing its reliance on this fossil fuel.
Solar and Wind Energy Decline
The report further highlights a decline in the utilization of solar and wind energy in the fourth quarter of 2024. This occurred while China maintained high levels of electricity production from fossil fuels, despite a slowdown in electricity demand growth.
Factors Driving Coal Expansion
Analysts attribute China’s continued investment in coal to a combination of factors. These include the influence of industry interests and the perceived need to ensure energy security. The construction of new coal-fired power plants is often driven by industrial demand rather than actual grid requirements.
Implications for Clean Energy Goals
The report’s authors express concern that China’s aggressive expansion of coal-fired power generation undermines its ambitious clean energy goals. They argue that "China’s rapid renewable energy deployment has the potential to transform the Chinese energy system, but this opportunity is being undermined by a parallel massive expansion of coal power."
Contrast with Previous Findings
In September 2024, the same organizations had concluded that China had significantly reduced approvals for new coal projects in the first half of the year, indicating a shift towards clean energy. However, the more recent report suggests a reversal of this trend, with a surge in coal project approvals in the latter half of 2024.
China’s Energy Paradox
China remains a paradoxical player in the global energy landscape. While it leads the world in the deployment of solar and wind energy, it is also the largest emitter of carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. China aims to reach peak CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. However, its continued reliance on coal-fired power generation poses a significant obstacle to achieving these goals.
Conclusion
China’s recent decision to increase its investment in coal-fired power generation represents a departure from previous indications of a transition towards clean energy. This move undermines the country’s ambitious decarbonization targets and places its climate goals in jeopardy. Analysts argue that China must prioritize the development of renewable energy sources and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels to align with the global consensus on climate mitigation.
