China's Coal Surge: A Green Energy Dilemma

China's construction of nearly 100 gigawatts of coal plants last year, as reported by clean-energy groups, raises concerns over the country's carbon goals. Despite leading in solar and wind power, China's reliance on fossil fuels persists, threatening climate commitments and reducing renewable energy's impact.

China embarked on an ambitious expansion of its coal power capabilities last year, initiating nearly 100 gigawatts of new plants, according to a report from clean-energy groups. This development marks the highest in nearly a decade and poses significant challenges to China's carbon reduction targets.

The report, a collaboration between the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and the Global Energy Monitor, highlights concerns that China's heavy investment in coal will undermine its solar and wind initiatives. Instead of replacing coal, renewable energy sources are merely supplementing China’s deep-rooted dependency on fossil fuels.

Despite Chinese carbon emissions possibly having peaked, the new coal plants threaten President Xi Jinping's climate goals announced in 2020: reaching a peak in carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Meanwhile, China's failure to meet a recent U.N. deadline for an emissions reduction plan adds further uncertainty to its climate strategy.

(With inputs from agencies.)