China solar boom helps energy emissions fall slightly in 2025

China’s rapid solar energy expansion drove a slight reduction in national energy-related emissions in 2025, marking the first decline in three years, per new data. The country added 210 GW of solar capacity in 2025—nearly double 2024’s installations—outpacing coal growth and cutting carbon intensity by 1.8% year-over-year. Coal consumption rose 2% due to industrial demand, but solar’s surge offset emissions growth, aided by wind and hydro gains, though droughts limited hydropower’s full potential. Analysts attribute the shift to aggressive renewable subsidies, grid upgrades, and provincial mandates prioritizing clean energy over fossil fuels in new infrastructure projects. Despite progress, experts warn structural challenges remain, including grid bottlenecks and coal’s persistent role in heavy industry, threatening long-term decarbonization targets.