China consumed roughly 5.5 billion short tons of coal in 2024, about 56% of the global total. India was second at 14%, and the U.S. third at 4%. Together with Russia and Indonesia, these five countries burned more than 80% of the world's coal. The article breaks down the numbers and looks at why China keeps building large coal units even though its existing plants run at around 50% capacity. The piece also covers China's renewable buildout, which supplied 33% of its energy in 2024, and the country's 2025 emissions dip. It ties this to the Paris Agreement target of cutting emissions 45% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. A useful read for anyone tracking coal phase-down timelines, power sector emissions, and whether new coal capacity locks in long-term demand.
