China’s energy transitions for carbon neutrality: challenges and opportunities

TLDR

China’s pledge to peak carbon before 2030 and achieve neutrality before 2060 is a strategic move to support sustainable development and ecological civilization, yet the dominance of fossil fuels—responsible for over 90 % of its greenhouse gas emissions—requires urgent energy transition policies amid ongoing challenges. The study aims to accelerate China’s low‑carbon energy transition, rapidly boosting clean energy’s share to meet the 2030 peak and 2060 neutrality targets. The authors propose that advanced technologies and increased investment are key drivers of the systemic reform needed for China’s energy transition. The transition is expected to generate significant economic opportunities and geopolitical advantages.

Abstract

Abstract The pledge of achieving carbon peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060 is a strategic decision that responds to the inherent needs of China’s sustainable and high-quality development, and is an important driving force for promoting China’s ecological civilization constructions. As the consumption of fossil fuel energy is responsible for more than 90% of China’s greenhouse gases emissions, policies focusing on energy transition are vital for China accomplishing the goal of carbon neutrality. Considering the fact that China’s energy structure is dominated by fossil fuels, especially coal, it is urgent to accelerate the low-carbon transition of the energy system in a relatively short time, and dramatically increase the proportion of clean energy in the future energy supply. Although China has made notable progress in the clean energy transition in the past, its path to carbon neutrality still faces many significant challenges. During the process of energy transformation, advanced technologies and greater investment will play essential parts in this extensive and profound systemic reform for China’s economy and society. In the meantime, these changes will create immense economic opportunities and geopolitical advantages.