Between Soot and Green--Light and Shadow of Coal-Fired Power Generation in China (2020s)

Between Soot and Green--Light and Shadow of Coal-Fired Power Generation in China (2020s)

China has continued to rely on coal-fired power generation as if it were shaking the vast land, and even in the 2020s, coal is still behind the country's growth and stability, supporting more than 60% of its electricity generation. Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Shaanxi--these coal mining regions are sending vast amounts of coal to other parts of the country on a daily basis.

However, the tide of the times has changed. The Chinese government has promised the world that it will be carbon neutral by 2060, and is rushing to expand solar and wind power. Giant panels are being laid on dry land, and rows of turbines are being built to catch the sharp winds. Still, the coal-fired light remains on: in 2022, China will have licensed some 106 GW of new coal-fired power generation, more than 80% of the world's new capacity. Local governments, fearing power shortages and economic stagnation, are still opting to return to coal.

Nevertheless, occasional signs of hope cannot be ignored: in the first half of 2024, new coal-fired power approvals fell by about 80% year-on-year. Greenpeace East Asia sees this as a small step toward a coal-free world. However, the reality is that the underdevelopment of the electricity grid and concerns about stable supply stand in the way of the spread of renewable energy.

To support the prolongation of coal-fired power generation, China is also taking steps to introduce ultra-supercritical pressure power generation and CO2 capture and storage technology. However, technological innovation is slow, and it will take a long time before the curtain of black smoke that covers the vast country is completely lifted.

Under the three banners of economic growth, energy stability, and decarbonization, China is now moving toward a contradictory future.

Related Information Summary

- Reuters (April 25, 2025).
China's wind and solar power capacity exceeded its fossil fuel generation capacity for the first time, but on a generation basis, renewable energy accounted for only 22.5% of the total. Challenges in power transmission infrastructure were also highlighted.

- EcoMatome (2024)
14 new coal-fired power plants with a total capacity of 10.34 GW were approved in the first half of 2024, a decrease of about 80% y/y, indicating a move away from coal.

- JOGMEC (2022)
China's domestic coal-fired power generation capacity under construction or planned is 366 GW, 68% of the global total. Promoted by local governments against a backdrop of tight energy supply and demand.

- JETRO (2024)
China aims to peak out CO2 emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060. Investment in renewable energy, hydrogen, and energy-saving technologies will increase.

- The Guardian (February 13, 2024)
In 2024, China will begin construction of 94.5 GW of coal-fired power plants. This will be the highest level in the past decade, and will be inconsistent with the carbon neutral goal.