Last Update: 04/05/2026 at 2:50 PM EST
India and China Cut Coal Use
Coverage from Forbes, AP News, and others
Articles
6
Latest Article
02/03
Active Days
22
Executive Summary
India and China are adding record clean power as coal use drops, signaling a possible turning point in emissions growth
- India may leapfrog coal as solar becomes cheaper than running existing coal plants
- China's emissions have plateaued or fallen even as electricity demand keeps rising
- China added 78 GW of new coal capacity in 2025 despite record wind and solar growth
- More than 50 large coal units were commissioned in China in 2025
- Southeast Asia's coal demand is still rising, led by Indonesia and Vietnam
- China and India both saw coal-fired power generation fall last year as clean energy surged
- India and Brazil are highlighted as major emerging markets for electrification and renewables
Quick Facts
- What: Clean power growth cut coal use
- Where: Across China India and Southeast Asia
- Why: Cheaper renewables and rising electricity demand
- Who: China India and energy analysts
- When: In 2025 and early 2026
Coverage Timeline: 22 Days
Featured Article
Analysts at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and Carbon Brief report coal power fell in China and India last year.
Additional Articles
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Forbes reports in February 2026 that Chinas carbon emissions have plateaued despite rising electricity demand, driven by rapid renewable deployment and electric vehicle adoption, without mentioning heat pumps.
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and Global Energy Monitor reported in 2025 that China sharply expanded coal capacity despite record wind and solar growth.
In a 2020s Substack commentary, Bill McKibben discusses global energy transitions and climate impacts worldwide but never addresses heat pump technologies, economics, or policies.
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The Associated Press recently reported from Vietnam and Indonesia on rising coal demand and energy transition deals in Southeast Asia, without addressing heat pump technologies or policies.
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China halted overseas coal financing in 2021, while domestic coal units expanded to stabilise grids amid renewable energy growth.