China approvals of coal-fired power plants grow after 2024 decline

• a day ago (2025-06-05)
• David Flin

Asia 939 Coal 320

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A report from Greenpeace indicates that China has approved 11.29 GW of new coal-fired power plants during Q1 of 2025, exceeding the 10.34 GW approved in H1 2024.

In 2024, Chinese approvals of new coal-fired power capacity fell 41.5 per cent year-on-year to 62.24 GW, the first annual decline since 2021. Current data suggests approvals will rise over 2025. While the approved projects may not be built, the growing pipeline indicates a continued reliance on the use of coal.

China plans to hit peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Reducing the use of coal is central to achieving these targets. China has said it will start to phase down coal use during the 2026-2030 five-year plan, but has not yet committed to specific targets.

Gao Yuhe, Climate and Energy Project Manager for East Asia with Greenpeace, said: “2025 marks a pivotal moment in China’s energy transition. There is already enough existing capacity to meet current peak demand. Approving a new wave of large-scale coal projects risks creating overcapacity, stranded assets, and higher transition costs.”