emirates7 - Beijing has slashed coal’s share in its energy consumption to below 1 percent, marking a major milestone in the city’s transition toward green energy, according to the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission on Friday.

Yang Xiuling, the Commission’s Director, reported that coal consumption in Beijing dropped sharply from 21.8 million tonnes in 2012 to under 600,000 tonnes by 2024. This dramatic reduction reflects the city’s firm push toward renewable energy and policies aimed at replacing coal.

In 2024, renewable electricity made up 29.3 percent of Beijing’s total power use, contributing 40.7 billion kilowatt-hours out of the city's overall 138.9 billion kilowatt-hours consumed.

Natural gas played a significant role in the energy mix as well, accounting for one-third of total energy consumption last year, with 19.5 billion cubic meters supplied. This cleaner energy shift has led to significant improvements in air quality.

Specifically, average annual PM2.5 levels—a key measure of air pollution—fell by 65.9 percent, dropping from 89.5 micrograms per cubic meter in 2013 to 30.5 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024.