China Leads the Charge in Clean Energy

China is revolutionizing the global energy landscape with its massive clean energy initiatives, as highlighted in Ember's "China Energy Transition Review 2025." With a focus on solar, wind, and energy storage, the nation is dramatically reducing its reliance on fossil fuels while exporting cutting-edge technology worldwide.

A Significant Shift in Energy Consumption

From 2015 to 2023, China's fossil fuel usage in energy consumption saw a decline of 1.7% across critical sectors like buildings, industry, and transport, even as electricity demand surged by a stunning 65%. The first half of 2025 marked a pivotal moment, with fossil fuel output falling by 2%, while wind energy generation surged by 16% and solar by an incredible 43%! For the first time, wind and solar sources generated more electricity than hydro, nuclear, and bioenergy combined.

Unprecedented Investments Driving Growth

China's clean energy boom is fueled by record investments, totaling $625 billion in 2024 alone—31% of the global clean energy market. This investment doubled the country’s wind and solar capacity to 1,400 GW and tripled its battery storage to nearly 95 GW, making significant strides in integrating these renewables into the grid.

Electricity: The New Energy King in China

As of 2023, electric power accounted for 32.4% of China’s final energy consumption and continues to grow at one percentage point per year, surpassing coal in the industrial sector for the first time in 2023.

An Economic Powerhouse

Clean energy is not merely a climate initiative for China; it is an economic strategy. Investment in this sector contributed a staggering $1.9 trillion to China's economy in 2024—about 10% of its GDP, equivalent to the entire economy of Australia.

Global Impact: China’s Clean Tech Dominance

China's clean energy advancements are reshaping global markets. The country manufactures 80% of the world's solar panels and 60% of wind turbines, while also leading in exports of electric vehicles, batteries, and heat pumps. In fact, it files three out of every four global clean energy patents. This technological boom is driving costs down, allowing emerging economies to leap ahead in renewable energy.

A Turning Point for Fossil Fuels

As China moves towards electrification and increases its clean tech exports, fossil fuel consumption is predicted to decline. Historically, China boosted global fossil fuel demand, but this trend is pivoting, potentially ushering in a structural decline in global fossil fuel needs.

Challenges Ahead: The Future of Fossil Fuels

Despite these positive shifts, experts caution that unchecked growth in non-OECD economies could counterbalance declines in China. The global fossil fuel demand future hinges on how quickly clean technologies are adopted in these regions.

Lessons from China’s Success

China's experience serves as a powerful demonstration of what is achievable when a nation combines vision with decisive action. As noted by Thailand's former deputy prime minister, Dr. Suwit Khunkitti, it illustrates that decarbonization can coexist with industrial advancement, job creation, and enhanced living standards.