China’s emissions nearing peak, says U.S. climate envoy

China's emissions may peak early due to rapid renewable energy growth, but uncertainties remain about long-term decline.

As climate envoys from the world’s top two greenhouse gas producers meet in Beijing this week, experts say China’s emissions may finally be nearing their peak.

US climate envoy John Podesta will be looking to solidify Beijing’s commitments — which include topping out its planet-warming emissions by 2030 — as he meets this week with counterpart Liu Zhenmin.

But with Beijing installing renewable capacity at record speed, and a construction slump dragging down emissions-heavy steel production, there are signs China could hit the peak early, though uncertainties remain.

“So much clean electricity... is being added that China can peak its emissions right now, if those additions are maintained and if overall energy demand growth moderates,” said Lauri Myllyvirta of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

China is building almost twice as much wind and solar energy capacity as every other country combined, data showed earlier this year.

That breakneck installation saw it hit a target for wind and solar capacity in August, six years ahead of schedule.

And while coal remains king in China’s electricity system, there are signs the world’s second-biggest economy may be weaning itself off the fossil fuel.