China Energy Information

China Energy Research

- China's Energy & Climate Policy Framework: China aims for carbon neutrality by 2060, with a 7-10% GHG reduction by 2035. Key policies include raising non-fossil fuel energy to over 30% and coordinating energy strategies via NEA, NDRC, and NEC. The 14^th FYP targets a 13.5% energy intensity cut by 2025, while the 15^th FYP (2026-2030) focuses on clean coal use. China passed its first Energy Law in 2025, prioritising renewable energy. Electricity market reforms include provincial spot trading and plans for a national market by 2025. Oil and gas sectors see liberalisation, with caps on refining capacity and SPR targets. Coal production is modernised, with a focus on large mines and reserves. Renewables are a priority, with targets for 30% non-fossil fuel energy by 2035 and significant wind and solar capacity growth. Green hydrogen and nuclear energy are also promoted. Energy efficiency measures include stricter standards and ECA trading. China's ETS, launched in 2021, covers power plants and aims to expand to other industries.

- China's Energy Companies: China's energy sector is dominated by state-owned enterprises, with five major power companies controlling over 40% of installed capacity. CNPC leads in oil and gas production, while State Grid and China Southern Power Grid manage transmission. Sinopec and CNPC dominate refining, and CNPC leads in gas production. The coal industry is fragmented, with several large producers. CNNC is the primary uranium supplier.

- China's Energy Supply & Demand: In 2024, China's energy supply saw wind and solar surpass thermal power in total capacity. Coal remained dominant at 60% of the energy mix, though its share is declining. China accounted for 55% of global coal consumption and 34% of global CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion. Total energy consumption grew by 3.6% in 2024, reaching 4,343 Mtoe, with per capita consumption at 3.1 toe. Electricity generation increased by 6.3% annually since 2015, with coal's share in the power mix falling to 60%. CO₂ intensity of electricity generation decreased by 23% since 2010. China remains a major importer of oil, gas, and coal, with significant investments in renewable energy and infrastructure.

- China's Energy Use & Price by Sector: China's final energy demand grew rapidly, with electricity's share rising to 27% by 2024. Industry leads consumption, while transport and residential sectors follow. Electricity prices declined, and coal's share dropped significantly. The EnerBlue scenario targets a 51% electricity share by 2050 to meet climate goals.

- China's Issues & Prospects: China is expanding its energy sector, prioritising renewables and nuclear power while continuing coal projects. The 14^th Five-Year Plan aims for significant increases in wind and solar capacity, with substantial investments in nuclear and gas projects. Despite pledges to curb coal, new plants are being constructed. The country is also advancing infrastructure through the Belt and Road Initiative and enhancing electricity storage and transmission. Additionally, China is investing in oil, gas, and green hydrogen projects to diversify its energy mix and reduce emissions.

China Total Energy Production & Consumption

Since 2020, total energy consumption has increased by 5.5%/year on average to 4 343 Mtoe in 2024, with a slight slowdown in 2024 (3.6%). Previously, its growth fell to 3.4% in 2020, after a period of recovery over 2017-19 (+4.5%/year) and a slow-down between 2012 and 2017 (+1.9%/year); it grew very rapidly over 2000-12 (8.9%). Total energy consumption per capita reached 3.1 toe in 2024, a level comparable to that of Japan, 10% higher than the EU average (2.8 toe/cap), but less than half as high as the United States (6.5 toe/cap).

Source: China energy report

Interactive Chart China Total Energy Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

China Oil Production & Consumption

Since 2018, crude oil and NGL production has increased by 2%/year to 213 Mt in 2024, as the country is seeking to boost domestic exploration and production. China was the world's fifth largest oil producing country in 2024. Previously, output declined by 4%/year between 2015 and 2018, after increasing by 2%/year between 2000 and 2015.

Source: China energy report

Interactive Chart China Crude Oil Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Interactive Chart China Refined Oil Products Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

China Natural Gas Production & Consumption

Since 2010, production has grown by 8.4%/year, reaching 293 bcm in 2024 (x3 over 2010-24). China is the world's fourth largest natural gas producer.

More than 80% of gas production is concentrated in 6 provinces: Xinjiang (17%) and Shaanxi (15%, -12 pp since 2019) in the northwest, Sichuan (27%) in the southwest, Inner Mongolia (13%, +11 pp since 2019) and Shanxi (7%) in the north and Guandong (5%, offshore) in South Central China.

Source: China energy report

Interactive Chart China Gas Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

China Coal and Lignite Production & Consumption

Since 2017, coal production has increased by almost 5%/year, reaching 4.7 Gt in 2024; it decreased by 4.3%/year between 2013 and 2016. Most of the production is localised in North China, with Shanxi (19% in 2024), Inner Mongolia (10%) and Hebei (9%), as well as Northwestern China, with Shaanxi (9%) and Xinjiang (8%).

Source: China energy report

Interactive Chart China Coal and Lignite Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

China Renewable in % Electricity Production

With the 14th FYP, the country intends to get 20% of its total energy consumption from non-fossil fuels in 2025 (12% in 2024). The revised NDC raised this share of non-fossil fuels to around 25% in 2030. In September 2025, the country committed to raise the share of non-fossil fuels in total energy consumption to over 30% by 2035.

Source: China energy report

Interactive Chart China Share of Renewables in Electricity Production (incl hydro)

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

China GHG emissions and CO₂ emissions

In its updated NDC (2021), China set more ambitious targets for 2030: reaching a CO2 emission peak before 2030, lowering its CO2 intensity by over 65% (from 2005 levels), and eventually reaching carbon neutrality before 2060. In September 2025, the country unveiled plans to lower its GHG emissions by 7 to 10% by 2035 from peak level.

Source: China energy report

Interactive Chart China CO₂ emissions

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data