China’s latest clean energy plan is to reduce fossil fuel use to below 20% by 2060, according to a state release.
The country wants its carbon dioxide emissions to peak by 2030, then “stabilize and decline” by 2060, adding it will be carbon neutral by that date, too. Carbon neutrality is also known as net-zero emissions. It occurs when an equivalent amount of greenhouse gas is removed from the atmosphere as was put in, making the net amount of emissions added zero.
The announcement comes while leaders debate climate change at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. The United National Climate Change Conference runs until November 12.
However, China remains the world’s largest CO2 emitter, and its emissions grew last year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fitting Square Emissions Pegs in Round Holes?
China accounts for 12 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. January-March 2021 figures show the country emitted 9% more carbon dioxide than in the same period in 2019, pre-pandemic.
Much is the result of China’s use of coal, which accounted for 56.8% of its total energy mix in 2020. China has scaled back some of its plans for new coal power plants, but still accounts for more than half of all planned new coal plants worldwide. China is also the world’s biggest coal producer at just under half of the global production.
In 2019, coal contributed 27% of the world’s energy, second only to oil (33.1%) and more than gas (24.2%). Coal demand is to rise globally then plateau between now and 2025.
Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel humans use as an energy source, which is why it’s also known as the “dirtiest” of fossil fuels. It is responsible for almost one-third of the 1 Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) increase in already recorded world average temperatures, making it the most significant contributor.
However, global energy price rises are already having an impact. China’s post-pandemic industrial growth has left shortages of ever-more expensive coal, which has caused blackouts in the country. The most significant effects have been on energy-intensive industries such as cement manufacturing, steel, and fertilizers.
The Renewable Boom That Could Help China Reach Net-Zero Status
The China statement came alongside various targets as it fleshed out previous reports. Non-fossil fuel energy consumption will reach a 20% share by 2025, then 25% by 2030 — anticipated as the country’s peak emissions year — before hitting the 80% threshold by 2060.
The state aims to increase its forests as well as wind and solar capacities. According to data from IRENA, the International Renewable Energy Agency, China is backing its renewable transition claims with action.
In 2020, China installed a record 136 GW of renewable energy capacity, more than half of all new global capacity added that year. China now has almost a third of all the world’s installed renewable energy.
The Official Report’s Five Steps to Carbon Neutrality
The report titled “Working Guidance for Carbon Dioxide Peaking and Carbon Neutrality in Full and Faithful Implementation of the New Development Philosophy” identifies five main tasks to achieve its aims.
- Improve energy efficiency
- Boost carbon sink capacities
- Lower CO2 emissions
- Create a green, low-carbon, and circular economy
- Increase non-fossil fuel energy consumption
The document claims China is “firmly committed to a green, low-carbon and high-quality development path that gives primacy to ecological civilization.”
It’s a complex energy puzzle. China is the world’s most populous country, the largest CO2 emitter, and the greatest renewable energy user. Time will show how (and if) the country continues to dominate the world’s path to net-zero emissions.
Opinion writer: Tom Shearman
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