- A new report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) suggests that China, India, and Indonesia — the world’s top three coal consumers — could reach their coal power and emission peak by 2030 . This would mark a major milestone in global climate progress, as the three countries together accounted for 73% of global coal use in 2024 .
Key Findings
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China : Coal emissions are already declining amid record solar and wind expansion. The country added 277 GW of solar in 2024 and another 212 GW in early 2025 , along with over 80 GW of new wind capacity last year. CREA says China’s coal use could peak “imminently” if this trend continues.
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India : On track to meet 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 , India has already achieved more than half the goal. With a strong domestic solar manufacturing base of 118 GW per year , the country could peak coal before 2030 if it continues investing in grid upgrades and energy storage.
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Indonesia : Plans to install 100 GW of solar by 2030 under President Prabowo Subianto’s initiative could curb coal dependence. However, CREA notes that Indonesia’s short-term energy policies still favour coal and gas, posing a risk to its transition.
Exam Facts
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Report: Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), 2025
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Global coal use (2024): 73% from China, India, and Indonesia
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China: ~490 GW solar capacity added (2024–mid-2025)
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India: 118 GW annual solar manufacturing capacity
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Indonesia: 100 GW solar target by 2030
Outlook
According to CREA, the rapid fall in renewable and battery costs — by 60% and 50% since 2022 — is accelerating the clean energy shift. If these trends hold, 2030 could mark the first time in history that all major coal economies simultaneously begin reducing fossil fuel use, reshaping global energy markets and emissions trajectories.
Month: Current Affairs - October 28, 2025
Category: Clean Air (CREA)