Coal-based electricity generation declined simultaneously in China and India for the first time in over five decades, marking a potential peak in global coal consumption and emissions.

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• According to analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, coal power generation fell in both China and India for the first time since 1973.
• The study, commissioned by Carbon Brief, described the shift as a “historic” moment driven largely by record clean energy deployment.
• Coal-fired electricity declined by 1.6% in China and 3% in India last year, despite rising overall electricity demand.
• China added more than 300 gigawatts of solar and 100 gigawatts of wind capacity, setting global records for renewable expansion.
• India installed 35 gigawatts of solar, 6 gigawatts of wind, and 3.5 gigawatts of hydropower, significantly boosting clean energy supply.
• Clean energy growth accounted for 44% of India’s fossil fuel reduction, marking the first major role of renewables in lowering coal-based generation.
• Milder weather contributed 36% to India’s fossil fuel decline, while slower demand growth accounted for 20%, raising concerns about future reversals.
• Together, China and India contributed over 90% of global emissions growth between 2015 and 2024, meaning sustained coal decline could reduce global emissions.