- China’s rapid expansion of clean energy and reduction in carbon intensity is outpacing U.S. reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a cleaner power future for China.
- Many U.S. power systems have a higher carbon intensity than China’s grid, highlighting the environmental challenges ahead for the U.S
China’s rapid expansion of coal-fired power capacity has drawn criticism from U.S. power system advisors. These critics argue that efforts to clean up U.S. generation are futile while China’s coal-fired emissions continue to rise. However, this viewpoint overlooks key facts about China’s cleaner energy mix.
China’s power generation network is already cleaner than many major U.S. systems. Over the past few years, wind and solar power have helped China reduce emissions significantly. Last year, China emitted less carbon dioxide per unit of electricity than regions like Florida.
In contrast, the U.S. has been increasing its reliance on natural gas-fired plants. This shift has been partly driven by the Trump administration’s hesitancy in embracing renewable energy. These differing paths could lead to a greener future for China, while the U.S. risks becoming more reliant on fossil fuels, which could increase pollution.
According to energy think tank Ember, in 2024, China’s fossil fuel reliance on renewable energy stood at 62%, just slightly above the U.S. at 58%. While the two countries are similarly reliant on fossil fuels, China is making rapid strides in clean energy, potentially shifting its energy mix to cleaner and more sustainable ones.
Between 2019 and 2024, China grew its clean-powered electricity by a striking 68%, increasing total output by 36%. In comparison, the U.S. saw a more modest 17% increase in clean energy, with overall electricity output growing just 5%. As a result, China now gets 38% of its total power from clean energy, up from 31% in 2019.
Despite ongoing efforts to clean up the U.S. grid, many U.S. systems still have a higher carbon intensity than China’s. For example, the Western Area Power Administration, serving parts of South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado, emitted 675 grams of CO2/kWh in 2024—26% more than China’s grid. Florida’s Jacksonville Electric Authority was even higher, with 717 grams of CO2/kWh, or 35% more than China’s.
Other U.S. power systems are facing similar challenges. The Associated Electric Cooperative, which covers parts of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Iowa, is increasing its reliance on gas-fired plants, likely raising their carbon intensity.
China’s commitment to clean energy remains strong, even as it expands its fossil fuel fleet. The country plans to add over 200 gigawatts of new coal-fired capacity. However, China is also determined to grow its clean energy capacity faster than its fossil fuel sector, meaning its carbon intensity will likely drop.
However, in the U.S., gas-fired plants are expected to increase over the next five years, which could slow the growth of clean energy. This shift in priorities could further widen the gap between China’s clean energy progress and the U.S.’s fossil fuel dependence.
As the global energy landscape evolves, China’s focus on clean energy is setting it toward a greener future. In contrast, the U.S. faces significant environmental challenges as it continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels. This growing disparity will have important implications for the future of global power generation.