Sharp Decline in New Coal-Fired Power Plant Approvals in China Amid Increased Focus on Renewable Energy and Nuclear Power

Approvals for new coal-fired power plants in China saw a significant drop in the first half of this year, according to a Greenpeace East Asia analysis. The decline follows a surge in approvals over the past two years that had raised climate concerns. This change may indicate China's shift towards renewable energy and nuclear power.

In a significant shift towards renewable energy, approvals for new coal-fired power plants in China dropped sharply in the first half of this year, according to an analysis by Greenpeace East Asia released on Tuesday. The review found that only 14 new coal plants were approved from January to June, totaling 10.3 gigawatts, an 80% decrease from the same period last year.

Chinese authorities had previously approved 90.7 gigawatts in 2022 and 106.4 gigawatts in 2023, which alarmed climate experts. Despite leading in solar and wind installations, the government argued that coal plants are essential for peak demand periods due to the unreliability of wind and solar power. While China's grid prioritizes greener energy sources, experts remain concerned about the country's ability to reduce its reliance on coal once new capacities are built.

"We may now be seeing a turning point," said Gao Yuhe, project lead for Greenpeace East Asia. "Are provinces slowing down coal approvals because they've approved too many projects already, or is this the beginning of coal's decline in our energy transition?" The analysis was released alongside the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, reflecting a slew of government documents aiming to reduce carbon emissions and boost renewable energy. China is also considering nuclear power as part of its carbon reduction strategy, with the State Council approving five nuclear projects.

(With inputs from agencies.)