China has significantly reduced the issuance of new coal power plant permits, cutting them by nearly 80% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This reduction aligns with the country’s efforts to transition towards greener energy sources and combat climate change. For the first time, China’s total capacity for wind and solar energy (1.18 TW) has exceeded that of coal (1.17 TW), representing 84.2% of all new grid-connected capacity.

According to a report by Greenpeace, the Chinese government granted permits for only 12 new coal plants from January to June 2024, a stark decline from the 56 permits issued in the first half of the previous year. This shift is part of China’s broader strategy to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.