China’s power industry began construction on nearly 100 gigawatts of new coal plant capacity in 2024—the highest in almost a decade—raising concerns about its ability to meet climate targets, according to a report released Thursday by two clean energy organizations.
The report, compiled by the Europe-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and the US-based Global Energy Monitor, found that China accounted for 93% of global coal power construction starts last year. Work also resumed on 3.3 gigawatts of previously suspended projects, solidifying coal’s role in the country’s energy system.
Despite a rapid expansion of solar and wind power, the report warns that clean energy is not replacing coal but being added alongside it. This trend risks undermining China’s climate commitments, including its goals to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
The surge in construction follows a wave of government approvals in 2022 and 2023. However, last year saw a decline in new project proposals to 68.9 gigawatts from over 100 gigawatts in previous years, indicating a potential slowdown. Approvals for new coal capacity also dropped to 66.7 gigawatts.
China was among the countries that missed a UN deadline this week to submit a national emissions reduction plan for 2035. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that China is working on the plan and will submit it later this year.
Environmental experts urge China to halt new coal plant construction to prevent overcapacity, cut emissions, and align with its climate commitments. However, with many new plants set to become operational in the next few years, coal is likely to remain a dominant part of China’s energy landscape.
