China cashes in on clean energy as Trump clings to coal
Deutsche Welle
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
China is leading the global clean energy race while the U.S., under President Donald Trump, continues to prioritize coal and roll back environmental protections. During his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump criticized China's renewable energy efforts, claiming the country doesn't use its own windmills despite exporting them. However, the reality is starkly different: China added record levels of wind and solar power capacity in 2025, surpassing global peers by a significant margin. This progress has positioned China as a key player in the global energy transition, manufacturing over 80% of solar panels, 60% of wind turbines, and 75% of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide.
The U.S., on the other hand, has distanced itself from international climate initiatives, withdrawing from fora that aim to combat global warming. This decision, according to experts, will only further isolate the U.S. economically and politically. In contrast, China's focus on clean technology and its strategic shift in coal usage—from a baseline energy source to a more flexible power supply—has allowed it to integrate renewable energy effectively into its grid.
While China has made strides in reducing emissions and expanding its renewable energy capacity, it continues to invest heavily in coal. However, its approach has evolved: rather than relying on coal as a constant power provider, the country now uses it flexibly alongside clean technology like battery storage, which offers better grid stability. This shift underscores China's commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
China's leadership in clean energy is not just about domestic achievements—it also benefits other countries by reducing emissions globally. By providing affordable and advanced clean tech solutions, China is helping nations transition away from fossil fuels. While the U.S. doubles down on coal under Trump's "America First
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/24/2026