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China approved between US$26 billion and US$33 billion in
coal-based capacity in the first half of 2022 despite falling demand, two
climate non-profits say
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A lack of flexible grid management perpetuates reliance on coal
power and creates a perceived need to build more of it, the groups say
The
Wujing coal-electricity power station is seen across the Huangpu River in the
Minhang district of Shanghai on August 22, 2022. Photo: AFP
China’s investments in coal-based power, iron and steel capacity
accelerated in the first half of the year, putting the country’s commitments to
decarbonise its economy at risk, experts say.
Approvals for new coal-fired power plants and coal-based iron
and steel facilities increased even as demand is falling and while renewable
power and low-carbon technologies for iron and steel production are making fast
progress, according to a report from two climate groups.
Researchers warned that China, the world’s largest emitter of
carbon dioxide, cannot afford to “walk back” its industrial decarbonisation
goals if it plans to reach its climate pledges of
achieving peak emissions by 2030 and nationwide net-zero carbon emissions by
2060.
The Chinese government approved 15 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired
power plants, 30 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of new coal-based iron-making
capacity and 15 Mtpa of new coal-based steel plants in the first half of 2022,
according to a report released on Wednesday by climate non-profit organisations
the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and Global Energy
Monitor (GEM).