Analysts have warned that a surge in coal power output in China is undermining efforts to keep global warming to 1.5C.
Beijing pushed plans for new coal power plants quickly in the second part of last year in an effort to strengthen its energy security, which sparked concerns.
A report by think tank E3G, released today, noted that China’s pipeline of coal projects increased by almost 50% in the final half of 2022, bringing the total to 250 GW.
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According to the report, China’s progress stands in stark contrast to that of the rest of the world, where combined coal power plans fell to 97 GW over the same period, the lowest level in modern history.
Developing renewable energy continues to be a priority for China. Faster than the rest of the world combined, the nation is integrating sustainable energy projects into the grid.
Leo Roberts, who works on the coal transition program for E3G, however, considers China’s increased coal production to be a “direct threat” to the Paris Agreement’s goal.
Story was adapted from Climate Home News
