China's CO2 emissions rise 2% in early 2026 as grid fails to absorb record wind and solar capacity
By
Lauri Myllyvirta
Summary
China's CO2 emissions rose 2% in Q1 2026 despite record new wind and solar capacity, due to increased coal and gas use for electricity generation. The rise is attributed to "wasted" renewable energy — wind and solar power that couldn't be utilized by the grid. The Strait of Hormuz crisis has heightened China's focus on energy security, but its electricity system is struggling to integrate clean energy effectively.
Source
bskyChina's CO2 emissions rise 2% in early 2026 as grid fails to absorb record wind and solar capacitycarbonbrief.orgKey quotes
· 3 pulledChina's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions grew by 2% in the first quarter of 2026, after a rise in the amount of 'wasted' wind and solar power.
The country used more coal and gas to generate electricity than in the same quarter a year earlier, despite a record amount of new wind and solar capacity being built.
While the strait of Hormuz crisis has boosted China's focus on energy security – including through clean energy and electrification – its electricity system is failing to keep up.
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