China Plans To Double Renewable Energy By 2035. That’s The Good News.

China has announced an ambitious plan to double its supply of non-fossil fuel energy by 2035, building on its existing commitments to expand renewable energy capacity. Wang Changlin, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, clarified that this goal involves significantly increasing clean energy consumption compared to 2025 levels, with major projects including a massive hydropower installation in Tibet and a 50 MW concentrated solar plant at an unprecedented altitude. This initiative forms part of the country’s 15th five-year plan and reflects a more aggressive target than previous goals, potentially raising the share of non-fossil energy in China’s total consumption to nearly 30% by 2029. Despite these positive developments, challenges remain in China’s energy transition, particularly regarding its continued reliance on coal. Although coal’s share of primary energy has decreased from 69% in 2015 to 56% in 2024, the absolute volume of coal consumption has increased due to growing electricity demand. This paradox is partly explained by China’s focus on energy security, as coal is domestically abundant and not subject to import risks. Consequently, China commissioned over 50 new coal-fired power plants in 2024 alone, accounting for the vast majority of new coal capacity globally, even as renewable installations reached record highs. Critics argue that China’s dual approach—rapid renewable expansion alongside sustained coal investment—undermines its climate commitments. Isabel Hilton of Yale Climate 360 highlights that key pledges made by President Xi Jinping in 2021, such as strictly controlling coal generation by 2025 and reducing energy intensity by 2030, appear increasingly difficult to meet. The government’s recent five-year plan, while continuing to promote renewables, has been seen as a missed opportunity to decisively curb coal use and align with international climate goals. China’s position as the world’s largest installer of renewable energy technologies and the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases underscores the complexity of its energy landscape. While the country leads in solar and wind manufacturing and deployment, its coal dependence remains a significant barrier to reducing overall emissions. The tension between industrial growth, energy security, and environmental responsibility will shape China’s energy policies in the coming decade, with global implications for climate change mitigation efforts.