Pouring on the coal!
New coal plants in China soar despite President Xi's pledge to 'strictly control' dirtiest fuel
In 2021 China promised to "strictly control" new coal power. Two years later, it surged, Global Energy Monitor found, fuelling fears about further emissions just as they should be tumbling. But the new capacity may not be used, and other countries need to step up too, GEM said.
China ramped up coal power capacity last year, according to new analysis, despite a pledge to "strictly control" the dirtiest fossil fuel.
The country added 47.4 Gigawatts (GW) of new coal power in 2023, more than double the amount added by the rest of the world combined.
It raises concerns that gains in clean power, including by China, are being undermined by the persistent use of coal, the worst energy form for climate change and air pollution.
On Wednesday the UN climate chief Simon Stiell said humanity has "two years to save the world", as he sought to galvanise leaders to step up
climate action.
In 2021 China promised to "strictly control" new coal power. Two years later, it surged, Global Energy Monitor found, fuelling fears about further emissions just as they should be tumbling. But the new capacity may not be used, and other countries need to step up too, GEM said.
news.sky.com