Signal China's energy-sector emissions began to decline in 2025 despite rising consumption

Summary

This signal marks a turning point in China's energy emissions. In 2025, emissions from China's energy production began to fall even though its energy consumption kept rising. Sitra attributes this to renewable energy investment many times larger than that of any other country. Chinese technology is also helping electrification and renewables advance quickly elsewhere. The development sits within the report's description of China as the first electrostate, which produced 65 per cent of the world's new solar and wind power in 2024. It contrasts with Europe, where the green transition has become far more contested politically even as similar goals are pursued under headings such as security of supply and competitiveness.