Asia outshines Europe, US in green transition

The year is still young, but Asia has already built up a considerable lead over several European countries and the United States in terms of energy transition progress so far in 2024.

- Gavin Maguire

Large Asian nations including China, India, South Korea and Japan all reduced fossil fuel use and boosted clean power output by more than their international peers in early 2025, according to data from think tank Ember.

Indeed, while most of Asia made cuts to fossil fuel use for electricity production in January from the same month in 2024, the US and Europe both expanded fossil fuel use and generation, thereby reversing their transition momentum.

Asian nations also lifted clean power production by more than most of Europe’s top economies, highlighting an important power generation trend that stands to impact annual emissions reduction efforts if it is sustained for the full year.

In terms of cuts to fossil fuel electricity generation, South Korea stands out with a 15% reduction in January from the same month in 2024. Record nuclear power output has allowed utilities to cut back on coal and gas use there.

Vietnam, China, India and Asia as a whole also made year-over-year cuts to fossil fuel fire generation in January, which is officially one of the peak demand months for power in Asia.

India was the leader among clean power boosters in January over January 2024, registering a 26% rise in clean electricity production. Near record hydro, solar, nuclear and bioenergy plants helped lift India’s clean power total.