Electricity production in China and India is a driver of global emissions. That is now changing: the amount of fossil electricity used in both countries fell in 2025.
A turning point in energy production is emerging in China and India: in both countries, electricity production from fossil fuels, particularly from coal-fired power generation, will have fallen in 2025. And this despite the fact that their electricity consumption continues to grow. This is shown by an analysis of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air based on data from central electricity authorities in both countries.
In China, electricity production from fossil fuels fell from 6,237 terawatt hours to 6,164, a decline of about 1.6 percent. In India the development was clearer: There, fossil electricity production fell from 1,578 terawatt hours to 1,516, i.e. by around 3.9 percent. One terawatt hour corresponds to around one billion kilowatt hours; in Germany, one terawatt hour corresponds to the annual consumption of around 200,000 four-person households.
A key reason for the development: both countries have expanded renewable energies. In India, 35 gigawatts came from solar power plants and 6 gigawatts from wind turbines, while in China there were more than 300 gigawatts of solar and 100 gigawatts of wind energy. For comparison: In Germany, solar systems with a total of 17 gigawatts and wind turbines with 5 gigawatts were newly built in 2025.
We would like to show you external content here. You decide whether you also want to see this element:
In India, lower economic growth and milder weather are another explanation. The growth of clean energies must be accelerated so that emissions are permanently reduced, writes analysis author Lauri Myllyvirta. However, only about a fifth as much electricity is produced in India as in China, so the country’s influence is significantly lower.
The 1.5 degree limit is still exceeded
Electricity production in China and India has been responsible for 90 percent of rising global emissions over the past decade. A change there is likely to also result in a global change. Nevertheless, both countries will probably have high fossil electricity emissions for a few more years, so that Exceeding the 1.5 degree limit is almost certain in the short term is.
Both China and India historically bear significantly less responsibility for the climate crisis than the USA or Europe; people there continue to emit less per capita and many live in energy poverty. Increased consumption in recent years means that more people there have access to more energy. However, this was mainly covered by burning fossil fuels. Now, as in Europe and North America, emissions and consumption could decouple.
Together for a free press
As a cooperative, we belong to our readers. And our journalism is not only 100% non-corporate, but also accessible free of charge. We make all articles freely available, without a paywall. Especially in these times, classifications and information must be accessible to everyone. Our readers don’t have to pay anything, but they know that critical, independent journalism doesn’t emerge from nothing. We are very grateful for that. So that we can continue to do our journalism tomorrow, we need more support. Our next goal: 50,000 – and with your participation we can do it. Set an example for the taz and for the future of our journalism. With just 5 euros you are there!
Support now