China Accelerates Renewable Energy Expansion Amidst Coal Dependency Concerns

China has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy, boasting the world’s largest installations of solar and wind power, with solar capacity increasing by 45% to 887 GW and wind capacity by 18% to 521 GW in recent years. This expansion aligns with China’s goals to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. However, despite these advancements, China approved 66.7 GW of new coal-fired power capacity in 2024, accounting for 93% of global new coal power constructions that year. This continued investment in coal has prompted international concern, with the EU ambassador to China urging Beijing to cease building new coal plants, highlighting a potential conflict between China’s renewable energy ambitions and its ongoing reliance on coal. Read more.