Environment & Climate
Chinese coal power growth halts across most analyzed regions, report says
Electrek reports that an Ember study found clean energy expansion began curbing fossil fuel use across China.
The short version
- A study from think tank Ember found coal power generation halted growth across 17 of 26 analyzed Chinese regions as thermal output fell 0.7% in 2025 despite rising electricity demand.[Electrek]
- Fossil fuel consumption has already peaked in eight of 11 monitored industrial sectors, while battery storage expanded 84% in 2025.[Electrek]
- Ember estimates electrification efforts avoided at least 1 million barrels per day of oil demand as electric vehicles reached 67% of new-car sales in June 2026.[Electrek]
Key facts
- Coal power generation stopped expanding across 17 of 26 analyzed provinces and regions in China.[Electrek]
- Thermal power output declined 0.7% in 2025 even as overall electricity demand climbed 5%.[Electrek]
- Fossil fuel use peaked in eight of 11 industrial sectors tracked by energy think tank Ember.[Electrek]
- Electric passenger vehicles accounted for 67% of new-car sales in June 2026.[Electrek]
What remains uncertain
- The findings rely on analysis from a single energy think tank, Ember, and have not been corroborated by independent reporting.[Electrek]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.