China prioritises renewable energy in new climate strategy
Beijing has unveiled a comprehensive climate strategy for the period up to 2030, with the emphasis on further integrating renewable energy into industrial activities, transport and data centres. This updated roadmap marks a strategic change of course for the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Instead of focusing solely on expanding clean energy production, the government is now prioritising the actual use of that energy through improved transmission, energy storage, green hydrogen and the development of sustainable industrial hubs.
Although the plan maintains the overall objectives set during the annual political meetings in March, it continues to make use of flexible targets. This approach, which relies on the natural growth of green technology to reduce emissions, may be seen as inadequate by those calling for more urgent climate action.
Although carbon dioxide levels fell slightly last year – thanks to the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure – China only guarantees that emissions will peak no later than 2030. This period leaves room for possible increases in emissions before the deadline for climate neutrality in 2060 set by President Xi Jinping.
Domestic challenges, including a sluggish economy and increased concerns about energy security, have complicated the immediate implementation of these green initiatives. As a result, a separate energy plan from June stresses that coal will remain a crucial safety net for the country’s power grid.
Likewise, the current climate plan is not aimed at shutting down the growing sector that converts coal into chemical products. Instead, it proposes reducing the carbon intensity of these activities through efficiency improvements and the gradual replacement of fossil fuels with hydrogen and wind or solar power.
The trajectory of Chinese emissions over the next five years will be a decisive factor in whether the country meets its net zero targets and whether the international community succeeds in effectively curbing climate change.
China’s influence is enormous: in 2024, the country was responsible for around 29% of global pollution. By comparison, the United States – the second-largest emitter – accounted for about 11%, although its own emissions have recently increased after the rollback of various climate measures under the Trump administration.
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