News
August 28, 2025
China Sets Clean Energy Records—While Propping Up Coal
China boasts leadership in the global push toward clean energy—and rightly so. Its electric vehicle sales are surging and already outselling conventional cars, while no country is close to the massive Chinese investment in renewable energy and storage, and the record-setting additions of solar and wind power capacity. Renewables, EVs, and related supply-chain industries have been contributing a record share of China’s economic growth in recent years. But the green energy boom has led to such overcapacity, fierce price wars, and a race...
China's journey towards a greener future is a story of impressive achievements intertwined with complex challenges. The nation is undeniably setting records in clean energy adoption, solidifying its position as a global leader in the transition. However, this success is shadowed by the continued reliance on coal, creating a paradoxical situation.
China's electric vehicle (EV) market is booming, with sales surpassing those of traditional gasoline-powered cars. This surge in EV adoption is a testament to the country's commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. Furthermore, China's investment in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, dwarfs that of any other nation. The sheer scale of these investments is driving record-breaking additions to the country's renewable energy capacity. Energy storage solutions are also receiving significant attention, further enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the renewable energy grid.
These advancements in renewables, EVs, and their associated supply chains are not just environmental victories; they are also fueling China's economic growth. These sectors are contributing an unprecedented share to the nation's overall economic expansion, creating jobs and driving innovation.
However, this rapid growth has also created some unexpected hurdles. The massive expansion of clean energy industries has led to overcapacity in certain sectors. This overcapacity, coupled with intense competition, has sparked fierce price wars among manufacturers. The pursuit of market share has, in some cases, resulted in a "race to the bottom," potentially impacting the long-term sustainability and quality of products.
China's electric vehicle (EV) market is booming, with sales surpassing those of traditional gasoline-powered cars. This surge in EV adoption is a testament to the country's commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. Furthermore, China's investment in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, dwarfs that of any other nation. The sheer scale of these investments is driving record-breaking additions to the country's renewable energy capacity. Energy storage solutions are also receiving significant attention, further enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the renewable energy grid.
These advancements in renewables, EVs, and their associated supply chains are not just environmental victories; they are also fueling China's economic growth. These sectors are contributing an unprecedented share to the nation's overall economic expansion, creating jobs and driving innovation.
However, this rapid growth has also created some unexpected hurdles. The massive expansion of clean energy industries has led to overcapacity in certain sectors. This overcapacity, coupled with intense competition, has sparked fierce price wars among manufacturers. The pursuit of market share has, in some cases, resulted in a "race to the bottom," potentially impacting the long-term sustainability and quality of products.
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Business