Coal consumption volume in China 1998-2023
In 2023, China's coal consumption amounted to some 91.94 exajoules, up from 87.54 exajoules in the previous year. Between 1998 and 2023, figures increased by more than 60 exajoules. As of 2022, China was by far the world's largest coal consumer, with nearly 55 percent of the total consumption.
Built on coal, running on coal
Chinese economic development was fueled by coal, and today it remains the keystone of the country’s energy mix. Although it has the second-largest coal reserves in the world, China is not rich in any other energy resources. Coal was the go-to fuel for a country with a large population, harsh climates, and an economy that underwent rapid industrialization. Although the country has diversified its power sector, coal still accounts for the largest share of energy production, and more coal power plants are being built.
The wind of change
Despite being one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions, China is also a global leader in renewable energy. Not only were Chinese firms at the forefront of manufacturing capacity and innovation, but the country also heavily invested in the domestic clean energy infrastructure grid. As a result, the PRC was the largest consumer of wind energy and home to the largest solar photovoltaic capacity worldwide. According to the China Electricity Council, the newly installed wind and solar power capacity in 2024 would surpass the newly installed coal power capacity.
