China's Shift to Clean Energy Hits Record High

China's electricity generation from coal fell to a record low of 53% in May, while non-fossil fuel sources reached a high of 44%, per a new analysis. This trend indicates a potential peak in China's carbon emissions last year. Wind, solar, and hydropower saw substantial increases.

China has achieved a significant milestone in its transition to cleaner energy sources. In May, coal accounted for just 53% of the country's electricity generation, the lowest percentage on record, while non-fossil fuel sources hit a record high of 44%, according to a new analysis.

Coal's share of energy production dropped from 60% in May 2023, the analysis by Lauri Myllyvirta of the Asia Society Policy Institute revealed. Solar energy contributed 12% to power generation, wind 11%, hydropower 15%, nuclear 5%, and biomass 2%, showcasing China's robust capacity expansion in renewables.

This shift resulted in a 3.6% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector, which represents about 40% of China’s overall emissions. “If rapid wind and solar deployment continues, China’s CO2 output is likely to keep falling, potentially marking 2023 as the peak year for the country's emissions,” Myllyvirta stated.

Further supporting this, Myllyvirta's previous analysis for the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air indicated a potential 'structural decline' in emissions starting in 2024. The current data highlights a 78% year-on-year increase in solar power output and adjustments in wind and hydropower generation capacities, addressed by the China Electricity Council and National Bureau of Statistics.

Overall, coal power generation declined by 3.7%, despite a 7.2% rise in total electricity demand, underscoring China’s aggressive renewable energy efforts.