China Cuts Coal Use Below 1%

China has reduced its coal consumption to less than 1% of its total energy use, marking a significant turning point in China’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

According to Yang Shuling, Director of the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the capital’s coal consumption fell from 21.8 million tons in 2012 to under 600,000 tons in 2024.

This dramatic drop has pushed coal’s share in Beijing’s energy mix to below 1%, a remarkable achievement in one of the world's most populous cities.

This milestone was made possible through aggressive adoption of renewable energy and strong policies replacing coal with cleaner alternatives.

In 2024, green electricity accounted for 29.3% of Beijing’s total energy consumption, generating 40.7 billion kilowatt-hours out of the city’s 138.9 billion kilowatt-hours used that year.

Natural gas has also played a central role in the city’s energy transformation. In 2024, it supplied about one-third of Beijing’s energy, with a total volume of 19.5 billion cubic meters, significantly improving air quality and reducing urban pollution.

As a result of these clean energy efforts, annual PM2.5 levels — fine particulate matter harmful to human health — dropped by 65.9%, falling from 89.5 micrograms per cubic meter in 2013 to 30.5 micrograms in 2024.

Beijing’s coal reduction strategy aligns with China’s broader goals to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060. The capital's transition showcases how urban centers can lead national decarbonization efforts and improve public health through cleaner energy infrastructure.