China's Coal Paradox: New Plants Surge Despite Solar-Wind Boom

• China commissioned over 50 large coal units in 2025, adding 78 gigawatts of new coal power capacity, a significant increase from previous years.
• This surge occurred despite China also adding 315 gigawatts of solar and 119 gigawatts of wind capacity in the same year.
• The coal plant building spree was partly a response to power shortages experienced in 2021-2022, driven by energy security concerns and a drought impacting hydropower.
• China's government views coal as a stable backup for intermittent renewable sources and essential for its growing economy, industrial demands, and AI development.
• Experts warn that this excess coal capacity could delay the transition to cleaner energy and hinder efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Why It Matters: China rapidly expanded coal power in 2025, driven by energy security and economic growth, despite a massive renewable energy boom.