Latest reports show that in the first half of this year, China's newly installed coal power capacity grew significantly, while new clean energy installations also hit a historic record.
According to AFP, coal has been China's main energy source for decades, but in recent years the explosive growth of wind and solar installations has raised hopes that China can move away from high-pollution fossil fuels.
Currently, coal accounts for about half of China's power generation, a significant decrease from three-quarters in 2016.
However, a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and Global Energy Monitor (GEM) states that in the first half of this year, China's newly added coal power capacity reached 21 GW, the highest for the same period since 2016.
China has also started or resumed construction on a total of 46 GW of coal power projects, equivalent to South Korea’s total coal power capacity, and has commenced an additional 75 GW of new and revived coal power projects.
The report says this growth trend threatens China's goal of peaking carbon emissions by 2030, and may cement coal’s place in the electricity mix.
As the world's second largest economy, China is also the biggest greenhouse gas emitter, but it is also a leader in renewable energy.
GEM research analyst and report co-author Christine Shearer said: "China’s coal power expansion... shows no signs of slowing down, resulting in long-term high emission levels, and coal will continue to dominate the power system for years to come."
According to AFP, coal has been China's main energy source for decades, but in recent years the explosive growth of wind and solar installations has raised hopes that China can move away from high-pollution fossil fuels.
Currently, coal accounts for about half of China's power generation, a significant decrease from three-quarters in 2016.
However, a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and Global Energy Monitor (GEM) states that in the first half of this year, China's newly added coal power capacity reached 21 GW, the highest for the same period since 2016.
China has also started or resumed construction on a total of 46 GW of coal power projects, equivalent to South Korea’s total coal power capacity, and has commenced an additional 75 GW of new and revived coal power projects.
The report says this growth trend threatens China's goal of peaking carbon emissions by 2030, and may cement coal’s place in the electricity mix.
As the world's second largest economy, China is also the biggest greenhouse gas emitter, but it is also a leader in renewable energy.
GEM research analyst and report co-author Christine Shearer said: "China’s coal power expansion... shows no signs of slowing down, resulting in long-term high emission levels, and coal will continue to dominate the power system for years to come."