The change in the power generation mix was driven by China’s wind power capacity rising by 178 per cent, its solar energy capacity by 60 per cent and its hydropower capacity by 217 per cent, the report from Fitch Ratings said. Photo Credit: Xinhua
Environment ChinaFor the First Time, Coal Makes Up Less Than Half of All Energy Sources in China
In 2020, for the first time ever, less than 50% of the energy generated in China came from coal-fired power, whilst power coming from non-fossil fuels accounted for 34%.
“The share of coal-fired power capacity in China’s fuel mix dropped to below 50% for the first time in 2020, given strong renewable installations,” says Diana Xia and Penny Chen, Fitch Ratings analysts. “We expect the share to fall by at least 3 percentage points year on year in 2021, as China pushes towards carbon neutrality and renewables addition stays strong.”
Green energy sources account for a rising proportion in China’s power generation mix. Wind power capacity has increased by 178%, solar energy by 60% and hydropower, 217%. By 2030, the country wants its carbon dioxide emissions to be 65% lower than 2005 levels. China’s carbon neutrality goal is set to 2060.
