According to a study by climate data provider TransitionZero, China must cut greenhouse gas emissions from its power sector by 50% by 2030 to achieve its target to become a carbon-neutral economy in 2060. To halve the power sector emissions, the report suggests China to phase out, retrofit, or put into reserve capacity about 364 GW of coal-fired power generation by the end of the decade. The research also estimates that replacing coal with cleaner alternatives will help China to save about $1.6 trillion.
Experts and activists have urged China to end its coal push to meet climate goals. However, under its latest five-year plan, China continues promoting the “clean and efficient use of coal.” Separate research by Global Energy Monitor showed that China commissioned 38.4 GW of new coal-fired power capacity in 2020, exceeding the 37.8 GW of capacity decommissioned elsewhere in the world. China contributed to 76% of global coal-fired power generation capacity added in 2020, up from 64% in 2019.
