China Used More Coal Power Last Year in Blow to Climate Efforts

China’s fossil fuel power plants increased generation to a record last year, as the boom in clean energy failed to keep pace with surging electricity consumption in the world’s second-biggest economy.

Output from thermal plants, predominantly powered by coal, rose 1.5% in 2024 from the previous year, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. The electricity sector is the largest contributor to China’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Production of fossil fuels also hit new highs, with coal and natural gas at record levels, and crude oil climbing to its second-highest total ever.

The figures run contrary to hopes ...