China has cut new coal power plant permits by nearly 80%
China has significantly reduced its approvals for new coal power plants by nearly 80% in the first half of 2024. This marks a sharp decline from the surge seen in 2022 and 2023, when the country approved over 90 gigawatts and 106 gigawatts of coal power, respectively.
This reduction comes amid growing concerns about China's commitment to limiting climate change, especially after the previous increase in coal plant permits alarmed climate experts.
The cutback in coal permits may signal a turning point in China's energy strategy as the government has recently introduced several plans to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.