A cooling tower and chimneys are seen at a thermal power plant in Beijing, China, November 3, 2018. REUTERS
The two countries are the world’s largest coal users and were responsible for 93% of the increase in global CO2 emissions from power generation in the decade to 2024. However, the report said record additions of renewable energy capacity last year helped cut emissions from electricity generation.
China’s electricity sector emissions fell by 40 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, or 0.7%, in 2025. Indian utilities’ emissions fell by 38 million tonnes, or 4.1%, during the 11 months through November, based on estimates from energy think tank Ember based on monthly government data.
The declines offset a 55.7 million metric tons increase in U.S. energy sector emissions, with a 13.1% increase in coal-fired electricity generation pushing emissions up 3.3% in 2025, the fastest annual increase this century. As a result, emissions from the global energy sector remained largely flat.
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In the ten-year period to 2024, power plant emissions rose by an average of 3.4% per year in China and 4.4% in India, while in the United States they fell by 2.4%. The three countries together are responsible for about 60% of global energy sector emissions, which account for roughly 35% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
The International Energy Agency has said China’s coal consumption is expected to gradually decline over the next decade, leveling off emissions from power generation.
In India, despite record levels of renewable energy and slower growth in electricity demand, the agency expects coal to remain an important part of the energy mix due to steadily rising demand.
In the United States, the agency predicts a 6% decline in coal demand by 2030 due to higher costs, despite policy incentives and a slowdown in coal plant closures.
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