Recent environmental report shows China added the most coal power plant capacity in the first half of 2025 than in any year since 2016, despite having significant renewable resources, according to DW.com, citing the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
The findings suggest that in the first half of 2025, China commissioned 21 gigawatts (GW) of coal power capacity — the highest amount for this period in nine years — and is on track to exceed 80 GW for the full year. According to CREA and GEM, new and revived coal power proposals totaled 75 GW, the highest in a decade. Another finding indicates that coal now accounts for about half of China’s energy generation, down from three-quarters in 2016.
The media outlet also noted that, despite its reliance on coal, China is significantly expanding its renewable energy capacity — solar alone increased by 212 GW in the first half of 2025.
Notably, China plays a significant role in Kazakhstan’s renewable energy sector, according to Kursiv Research. A 2024 ranking of the country’s largest renewable energy facilities showed that Chinese investors are increasingly developing projects in Kazakhstan independently, whereas in the past they primarily participated as technology suppliers for local businesses.
Among other low-carbon energy projects China plans to implement in Kazakhstan are two nuclear power plants, with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) serving as the contractor for both. The company also operates nuclear power plants in Pakistan.
Nevertheless, in late January, Kursiv.media reported that China Energy, the world’s largest coal producer and processor, was reviewing coal mines in Kazakhstan to identify the most suitable one.
Even Europe might be interested in Kazakh coal, as an earlier report by Kursiv.media citing Kommersant.ru suggested, since hot weather and rising electricity demand have driven up local thermal coal prices.
