China approves 106 GW of coal project, derails climate commitments

Coal approvals rose fourfold in 2020 and 2023, compared to the 2016-2020 period.

China accelerated its coal permitting, approving 106 gigawatts (GW) of coal power projects and started the construction of 70 GW in 2023, making the country “badly off track” of its several climate targets for 2025.

In a report, Global Energy Monitor (GEM) and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air added that China also started the operations of 47 GW of coal projects and announced 108 GW of new projects last year.

“China’s ongoing coal plant permitting and construction boom continues to be at odds with President Xi’s pledge to strictly control new coal power projects, and out of step with the rest of the world,” said GEM analyst Flora Champenois.

ALSO READ: New coal plant construction outside China to reach nine-year low

“Overbuilding coal ‘just in case’ and with a ‘we’ll deal with that later’ approach is a costly and risky gamble, especially when alternative solutions are available to meet targets and address energy security,” she added.

Under the Paris Agreement, China committed to “strictly limit” coal consumption growth, and reduce energy intensity and carbon intensity. It also aims to raise the share of non-fossil fuels in the energy mix to 20% and generate over 50% of the increase in energy use from renewable sources.

However, its approval rose fourfold over 2022 and 2023, compared to 2016 to 2020.

In 2022, around 218 GW of new coal plants were permitted, of which 89 GW started construction in 2023, with 128 GW remaining to break ground.

Follow the link for more news on

China coal power

Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you dight and create an advertising campaign, in print and digital, on this website and in print magazine.

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

I want to download the media kit

Top News

India’s Rajasthan and Gujarat need policy reforms to fuel RE transition

Some steps they could take are implementing green tariffs and setting infrastructure funds.

18 hours ago

Global clean energy tech market to hit $2t by 2035

This is fuelled by investments as countries aim to enhance energy security.The global clean energy technology market is projected to grow from $700b in 2023 to over $2t by 2035, nearing the scale of the crude oil market, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).This growth is fuelled by significant investments in clean technology manufacturing as countries aim to enhance energy security, maintain economic competitiveness, and cut emissions. Investment is concentrated in regions with established positions in clean energy, particularly China, the European Union, the UK, and increasingly, India.Whilst the US, EU, and India have taken measures to support their clean energy sectors, China is expected to remain the world's manufacturing hub. By 2035, China's clean technology exports are forecasted to exceed $340b—comparable to projected oil export revenues from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa contribute less than 5% of global cleantech production value, yet the IEA suggests that these areas still hold opportunities within the clean energy economy. Developing economies, for instance, could leverage competitive advantages to advance in the value chain beyond resource extraction.The IEA said Southeast Asia could become one of the most cost-effective regions for producing polysilicon and wafers for solar panels over the next decade.

18 hours ago

NSW OKs Liverpool Range Wind Farm expansion