China Leads Global Clean Energy Transition as Fossil Fuel Use Stalls
A recent report highlights a significant shift in China’s energy landscape, revealing that fossil fuel consumption is plateauing as the country increasingly meets its electricity demands with renewable sources. This change comes amid China’s aggressive push towards decarbonization, positioning itself as a leader in the global clean energy race.
According to the U.K.-based think tank Ember, fossil fuel consumption in China has remained stable since 2021, both in terms of overall energy use and electricity generation. Notably, 84% of the increase in electricity demand during the previous year was satisfied by clean energy sources, including wind, solar, and nuclear power. The report underscores that wind and solar are at the forefront of this energy surge, with China generating 18% of its electricity from these sources in 2024, a figure that has doubled since 2020.
The first half of 2025 saw remarkable growth in renewable energy output, with wind generation increasing by 16% compared to the same period in the previous year, while solar energy production surged by 43%. The combined output from wind and solar reached 2,073 terawatt-hours by June, surpassing the outputs of hydropower, nuclear, and bioenergy for the first time.
This transition reflects a broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. For instance, fossil fuel consumption for direct end uses, such as transportation and heating, has stabilized at just under 150 exajoules since 2018. In a remarkable achievement, China added 267.53 gigawatts of solar capacity in the first half of 2025, nearly tripling the rest of the world’s total installations during the same period.
The implications of these developments are significant. Jonas Nahm, an assistant professor for energy, resources, and environment at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, emphasized on social media that as the United States withdraws from green technology industries, China is stepping up to lead the energy transition for developing nations. “The scale is staggering,” he noted.
In a statement regarding China’s commitment to green energy, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, affirmed, “This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. China is always a staunch doer and an important contributor to global green development.” He emphasized the country’s commitment to peak carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, reinforcing China’s role in international climate efforts.
Looking ahead, China is poised to continue its trajectory towards a greener future. President Xi Jinping has set ambitious targets for the country to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The ongoing investments in solar and wind technologies are expected to play a crucial role in meeting these goals.
As the world watches, China’s advancements in clean energy may not only reshape its domestic energy landscape but also have profound implications for global energy markets and climate initiatives. The continued focus on renewable energy sources positions China as a vital player in the future of sustainable energy development.
