China puts record volumes of coal generation into operation

In the first half of 2025, China commissioned 21 GW of coal-fired power plants, according to a new CREA report. This is a record figure since 2016, although the country continues to actively develop clean energy.

"The rapid increase in commissioning in 2025 is a response to the increase in the number of permits issued in 2022-2023,"

The surge was caused by power shortages and blackouts in 2021-2022, when supply disruptions and rising coal prices coincided with stricter environmental regulations during the recovery of the Chinese economy after the first wave of the pandemic.

80 GW of coal-fired power plants may be commissioned in 2025.

"The paradox of 2025 is becoming more and more apparent: the share of coal in the energy mix has dropped to a historic low, but the commissioning of new coal-fired capacities is approaching ten-year highs,"