China has significantly reduced approvals for new coal-fired power plants, with only 14 approved in the first half of 2024. Greenpeace East Asia reports that the total new capacity of these plants amounts to 10.3 gigawatts, down 80% from the 50.4 gigawatts of capacity that was approved in the same period a year prior. This decrease follows two years of surging approvals, which had raised questions about the country's commitment to climate goals.
Over 90 gigawatts were approved in 2022 and more than 106 gigawatts in 2021, worrying climate experts despite China's leading investments in solar and wind power. Although the country's grid prioritizes green energy, the government's reliance on coal for peak energy demand persists. Gao Yuhe from Greenpeace East Asia suggests this decline could mark a "turning point," but questions whether the slowdown is due to the sheer volume of the prior approvals or if it's a signal of an energy transition away from coal.
The Chinese government has recently issued documents aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy. The National Energy Administration announced a three-year plan in June to retrofit coal power units with low-carbon technologies. Additionally, China is expanding its nuclear energy capacity, with the State Council approving five nuclear projects worth $28 billion. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
