China’s clean-energy surge starts squeezing coal out of the grid

Ember’s analysis shows China’s rapid clean-energy expansion is curbing coal, with 17 of 26 provinces seeing coal generation plateau or decline in 2025 as thermal output fell 0.7% despite a 5% rise in electricity demand. Battery storage grew strongly, helping balance the grid, while electrification—especially EVs and industrial electrification—is reducing oil use and reshaping energy demand across sectors. The shift from “build clean energy first” to “build while breaking” signals a broader transition in China’s economy and energy security.