What's Happening?
China remains the world's largest emitter of carbon emissions, contributing over 30 percent of global emissions last year. Despite its leadership in green energy technologies, China continues to build
coal plants domestically and abroad. In 2020, President Xi Jinping announced plans for China to reach peak carbon emissions before the end of the decade and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. However, while some progress has been made, such as the cancellation of 59.3 gigawatts of Chinese-funded overseas coal projects, construction of new coal plants persists. As of July 2025, planned projects have decreased by 37 percent from 2024, yet 14 new projects are under construction, expected to add 12 gigawatts of capacity. These projects are primarily in developing countries and are built by private Chinese firms for industrial use.
Why It's Important?
China's continued reliance on coal poses significant challenges to global climate change efforts. As the largest emitter of carbon emissions, China's actions have a substantial impact on global warming. The construction of new coal plants, both domestically and internationally, undermines efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. This situation highlights the tension between China's green energy leadership and its ongoing coal dependency. The international community, particularly countries affected by Chinese coal projects, may face increased environmental and health challenges due to these developments.
What's Next?
China is expected to continue reducing its reliance on coal, with the proportion of electricity generated from coal dropping to a historic low of 51 percent in the first half of the year. However, the construction of new coal plants within China remains significant, with 94.5 gigawatts of new capacity initiated last year. Experts are divided on whether China will meet its 2030 emissions target, with some predicting fossil fuel use will peak by 2028. The international community will likely monitor China's progress closely, as its actions have far-reaching implications for global climate goals.
Beyond the Headlines
The ongoing construction of coal plants by China raises ethical and environmental concerns, particularly in developing countries where these projects are concentrated. The reliance on coal contradicts China's public commitment to green energy and carbon neutrality, potentially affecting its international reputation and leadership in climate change efforts. The situation underscores the complexity of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, a challenge faced by many nations.
