China's coal-fired power generation share fell below 50% for the first time in the first half of the year, as green energy continues to expand.

Reuters: Coal-fired Power Generation in China Falls Below 50% for the First Time in January–June, Green Energy Expands

Reuters (Japanese edition), July 31 report: As the world's largest coal consumer, China saw coal-fired power generation account for less than 50% of total power generation in the first half of this year for the first time. The use of green and renewable energy continues to expand.

A senior official from the Planning Department of the National Energy Administration revealed at a press conference: Coal accounted for 49.7% of electricity supply structure in the first half of the year, marking the first time it has fallen below 50%. The share of renewable energy rose to 41.2%, exceeding 40% for the first time. Among them, wind and solar power made up 24.6%.

In 2020, wind and solar power accounted for only 9.7%. In 2016, ten years ago, coal-fired power generation accounted for 65.5%.

Although the share of coal-fired power generation is shrinking, due to rapid growth in electricity demand, coal consumption may exceed last year’s level by 2026.

In China, the transition toward electric vehicles (EVs) is underway, artificial intelligence (AI) data center construction is expanding, and exports continue to grow. Therefore, the peak of coal consumption is expected to extend until 2030.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872211814864896/

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