China’s Surge in Solar and Hydro Points to Early Carbon Peak

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Recent data reinforces estimates that China’s emissions will fall this year as clean energy starts to meet all of the nation’s consumption growth. Photo: Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) — China has reduced power generation from fossil fuels as output from sunlight and water surges, feeding hopes that the world’s biggest polluter may have peaked emissions years before its own deadline.

Thermal power, which accounts for the bulk of China’s carbon footprint, fell 4.3% in May from the previous year, the biggest drop since 2022, the statistics bureau reported on Monday. Hydroelectric jumped 39% after heavy rains fed a recovery in the world’s most powerful dams. Output from large solar farms rose by 29% following a record increase in new panels last year.