China’s projected growth in solar, wind, and nuclear power output is set to exceed 450% by 2060, according to Reuters.

By 2060, China is expected to maintain its position as the world leader in clean energy production, increasing its share from the current 21% to 26%. However, its nuclear energy output is forecasted to more than double, rising from 16% to 36%, as the country continues to expand its nuclear capacity.

According to DNV’s estimates, clean energy sources, which currently account for about 15% of China’s total energy supply, will contribute nearly 75% of the country’s primary energy by 2060. Over the same period, China’s reliance on coal is projected to decline significantly, with coal-generated energy dropping from the current 55% to less than 10%.

As the world’s largest energy producer and consumer, these shifts in China’s energy mix are likely to have substantial effects on global energy markets, particularly for coal exporters. China, the top global producer, consumer, and importer of coal, currently accounts for around 60% of the world’s coal-generated energy.

While global coal consumption is not expected to disappear entirely by 2060, China’s role in global coal usage will still be significant, accounting for approximately 40% of worldwide coal consumption by then, according to DNV data.

China’s use of natural gas and crude oil is also projected to decrease by 2060 compared to current levels. The country’s overall fossil fuel consumption for primary energy is anticipated to halve, falling from the current 30% to around 15%.

/Reuters, DNV/