For decades China's power system was synonymous with coal. In 2024 coal still supplied 53.2% of primary energy consumption - down from 56.9% in 2020 - and coal-fired plants generated roughly 55% of electricity. But the trend line is what matters: non-fossil energy rose to 19.8% of primary energy in 2024, already near the ~20% goal once set for 2025.
The renewable tide
Wind and solar reached a combined ~1,410 GW by the end of 2024, surpassing the 1,200 GW (1.2 TW) target set for 2030 a full six years early. In 2025 non-fossil generation is forecast near 43% of total electricity, and renewables supplied the bulk of 2024's net demand growth.
Coal's changing role
Rather than an immediate exit, China's plan is a "new power system" in which renewables lead on energy while coal and storage provide firm, dispatchable backup and frequency support. New coal approvals have tightened, and coal's generation share keeps sliding even as absolute power demand grows.
Grid emission factors and your footprint
For companies reporting Scope 2 emissions, the provincial grid emission factor is the key input. Our China Provincial Electricity Price & Grid Emission Factor tool provides 2022 factors for 30+ provinces so you can estimate CO2 from local consumption. For the system view, see Grid & Storage.
Carbon market (ETS) and the cost of carbon
China's national carbon market (ETS) prices CO2 through tradable allowances (CEA), which closed around 95-100 yuan/ton in 2026. A higher CEA price adds cost to coal-based generation and rewards cleaner power. See our China ETS Carbon Price tracker for current levels and trends.
Frequently asked questions
What share of China's energy comes from coal?
Coal was about 53.2% of primary energy consumption in 2024, down from 56.9% in 2020, and coal-fired plants generated roughly 55% of electricity.
Has China met its renewable targets early?
Yes. Combined wind and solar reached about 1,410 GW by late 2024, surpassing the 1,200 GW 2030 target roughly six years ahead of schedule.
Is China shutting down coal plants?
Not immediately. The strategy keeps coal as firm backup while renewables scale, with tighter new approvals and a declining generation share rather than a sudden phase-out.