China is significantly increasing its investment in coal power, raising alarm among researchers about the potential consequences for global climate goals. Despite previous pledges to curb coal usage, China began developing 94.5 gigawatts of coal-based power sources in 2024, the highest since 2015. This surge in coal projects marks a sharp reversal from the nation’s commitments to reduce emissions.
Researchers warn that continued reliance on coal could undermine efforts to reduce global emissions and exacerbate climate change. Qi Qin, a researcher at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, stated, “If coal maintains a high share in China’s power system for too long, it will be much harder to achieve a rapid decline in emissions.
Despite constructing new coal projects, China is still making strides in clean energy.
China’s coal power surge concerns researchers
Over the last decade, more than 100 gigawatts of coal power have been decommissioned, and the nation achieved its clean energy target for 2030 six years early, thanks to substantial investments in wind and solar power. Regulations on new coal power expected between 2026 and 2030 may help curb recent industry gains. Qi notes that China’s push for new coal power is driven by industry interests under the guise of energy security, posing challenges for global climate efforts.
The global community is watching closely, expecting countries to increase their climate ambitions for 2035. China’s efforts to balance coal reliance with clean energy uptake will be crucial in shaping the future of global emissions reduction and climate stability.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
