China reduces coal plant approvals after a recent surge

China significantly reduced approvals for new coal-fired power plants in the first half of 2024 following a surge in previous years that raised concerns about its climate commitments.

Ken Moritsugu reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

Greenpeace East Asia found that only 14 new coal plants were approved in China in early 2024, down 80% from the same period last year.
China’s coal dependence persists, despite leading in solar and wind power, to manage peak electricity demand.
Recent government initiatives focus on integrating renewable energy into the grid and retrofitting coal plants with low-carbon technologies.

Key quote:

“We may now be seeing a turning point.”

— Gao Yuhe, project lead for Greenpeace East Asia

Why this matters:

China's reduced coal plant approvals signal a potential shift in its energy strategy, but its continued reliance on coal complicates global efforts to combat climate change.

apnews.com

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