In 2023, China secured its dominant position in coal power plant construction, accounting for 95% of all new global projects in this sector. According to the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) report, China launched projects totaling 70 gigawatts (GW) of coal power, a fourfold increase compared to 2019. By contrast, less than 4 GW of new projects were initiated in the rest of the world—a record low since 2014 (crimea anex year)
This surge raises significant concerns about global climate goals. Despite President Xi Jinping's 2021 promise to "strictly control" new coal energy projects, the reality is starkly different. In 2023, China added 47.4 GW of coal power, accounting for two-thirds of the global increase. Such a trajectory threatens international efforts to combat climate change, particularly given the urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
While coal plant construction globally has been declining for the second consecutive year, with coal retirements reaching their lowest since 2011, China's coal expansion has continued to grow for the fourth year in a row. This is despite commitments to reduce coal dependency. The report underscores that as other nations transition to cleaner energy, China's path risks derailing global efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
Unless China takes immediate steps to curb its coal projects and accelerate the shift to renewable energy, its 2025 climate targets may be in jeopardy. The world is closely watching, as China's energy policy could significantly influence the success of global climate initiatives.
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