China's Renewables Surge: Emissions Fall 2024?

• China is on track for an historic decrease in carbon emissions by 2024 due to unprecedented growth in renewable energy production. Learn how this shift is at risk of resistance from coal and local governments in Carbon Brief's new analysis.

A new analysis from Carbon Brief finds that China is set to see a decline in carbon emissions in 2024 due to record growth in renewable energy capacity. The increased solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear energy have already surpassed the nation's total electricity consumption, setting the stage for a decrease in fossil-fuel generation and emissions. Despite this, there is a risk of resistance from the coal industry and local governments, which could lead to roadblocks in the transition.

Will China's Renewables Lower Carbon Emissions?

• China saw record growth in renewable energy capacity last year, leading to renewables surpassing the nation’s total electricity consumption.
• This has set the stage for a decrease in fossil-fuel generation and emissions, likely beginning in 2024.
• The most dramatic shift has been in coal usage. Even though it is still the most utilized source of energy, it has plummeted from accounting for nearly two-thirds of electricity production in 2015 to only 40 percent in 2020.
• Renewables now make up more than 55 percent of China’s total electricity generation, making it the world’s largest producer of renewable energy.
• China also has the world’s largest hydroelectric capacity and the world’s largest nuclear power capacity.
• Despite this progress, there is a risk of resistance from the coal industry and local governments, which could lead to roadblocks in the transition.
• To further lower emissions, China is also planning to launch carbon trading and pricing measures, as well as investing heavily in electric vehicles and green hydrogen.
• China has also promised to go carbon neutral by 2060, a goal which could be achieved if the nation continues to prioritize renewable energy sources.