China's solar power capacity is set to surpass coal this year, but there's a twist. The China Electricity Council reports that solar capacity will exceed coal, with solar generating about half of the country's installed capacity by the end of 2026. Coal's use is expected to drop to a third of the total. However, a recent report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and Global Energy Monitor reveals a surprising development: coal-fired power plant proposals in China hit a record high in 2025, despite the country's push for renewable energy. This surge in proposals could lock in new coal assets, potentially undermining China's climate goals. The report highlights a concerning trend: while China's renewable energy growth limits coal emissions in the short term, it may inadvertently keep coal capacity online. This is in stark contrast to global trends, where only a third of proposed coal capacity is constructed. The article concludes that despite China's solar advancements, coal remains a significant player in the country's energy mix, with a substantial portion of proposed coal capacity still in the pipeline.
