#02: Analysis: Beijing Rethinks Coal in the Aftermath of 2021’s Energy Crunch

“Shifting political signs” on coal point to an uncertain future; plus: fresh statistics on China energy and climate

Despite China’s dual-carbon (shuang tan) goals, and predictions of an “inevitable trend” of decline, 2021 was a good year for coal.

Last year, China recorded its “biggest increase” in total energy consumption (+5.2% year-on-year) in a decade. Total electricity consumption has doubled compared to 2010 (Scroll down for more newly published 2021 statistics).