Overview

• Power‑sector emissions fell about 3% in January–June, driven by record wind and solar output that outpaced electricity demand growth.
• Coal burned for power declined 3% in the period, while gas use for electricity generation increased 6%, according to the analysis.
• Coal use in the chemicals industry rose about 20% in the first half, making the sector the main source of upward pressure on national emissions.
• The coal‑to‑chemicals buildout has added roughly 3% to China’s emissions since 2020 and could add about 2% more by 2029, the report estimates.
• A weak property sector pulled down emissions from cement, steel and other building materials, partially offsetting increases in chemicals, and a June 1 policy change slowed new wind and solar installations after strong early‑year gains.