Experts say China’s coal consumption could peak in 2025

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🗞️ Driving the news: Experts are increasingly optimistic about China’s green transition, with most expecting the country's CO2 emissions and coal consumption to peak by 2025
• Reports from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) highlight significant progress, including surging renewable energy capacity and record-breaking electric vehicle sales
• However, challenges remain, with energy consumption outpacing GDP growth and emissions reductions falling short of Paris Agreement targets

🔭 The context: Coal, responsible for 80% of China’s fossil fuel emissions, is under stricter controls, with plans to phase it down from 2026
• Over 50% of all vehicle sales in 2024 were electric, and clean energy investments are accelerating
• Experts warn that achieving Paris targets requires faster renewable energy deployment and less energy-intensive economic growth

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: As the world's largest CO2 emitter, China's energy choices are pivotal for global climate goals
• Delays in emissions reductions could jeopardize efforts to cap warming below 1.5°C, increasing risks like rising sea levels and extreme weather

⏭️ What's next: China’s upcoming national climate plan, expected by February 2025, will set the tone for emissions reduction in the next decade
• Strengthened targets and accelerated transitions could keep global warming goals within reach

💬 One quote: “Achieving carbon neutrality in a rapidly growing economy like China is no easy feat, but the country’s substantial efforts are starting to bear fruit” – Xunpeng Shi, ISETS

📈 One stat: 52% of experts believe China’s coal consumption will peak by 2025, signaling a turning point in its energy transition

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