China Coal Power Additions Unmatched Globally

In a stunning reversal of earlier years, China in 2022 announced, pre-permitted or permitted the building of 42 percent more coal power plant capacity than in 2021, following power outages related to coal shortages, droughts and Covid-related disruptions, but also an inflexible fixed-price system for electricity. The country's decision to once again invest in the technology is continuing as it remains the biggest builder of new coal power globally. In 2025, China is brought such a high amount of coal power capacity online that experts are worried future renewables development will be impacted despite claims from Chinese leadership that coal will play a backup role. In 2021, the country had pledged to end all future foreign coal power projects, but announced that it would remain committing to domestic coal expansion. China pledged to reach net zero emissions in 2060.

The East Asian country has been known to grow renewables and coal power in tandem to satisfy its ever-growing need for energy. While the expectation for most observers was likely that green energy would eventually gain the upper hand after a transitional time period, 2025 figures released by the Global Coal Plant Tracker paint a different picture about the direction China’s electricity mix might be taking.

China is indeed miles ahead of second-placed India when it comes to the most coal capacity in the permitting process or under construction. The former country has been increasing permitting and construction over time, while the latter has recently announced and authorized more projects, but started fewer. Other countries that have been building more coal plants are Russia and Kazakhstan, while decreased activity was seen in Bangladesh and Vietnam.