coal
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China reduces coal plant approvals after a recent surge
China significantly reduced approvals for new coal-fired power plants in the first half of 2024 following a surge in previous years that raised concerns about its climate commitments.
In short:
- Greenpeace East Asia found that only 14 new coal plants were approved in China in early 2024, down 80% from the same period last year.
- China’s coal dependence persists, despite leading in solar and wind power, to manage peak electricity demand.
- Recent government initiatives focus on integrating renewable energy into the grid and retrofitting coal plants with low-carbon technologies.
Key quote:
“We may now be seeing a turning point.”
— Gao Yuhe, project lead for Greenpeace East Asia
Why this matters:
China's reduced coal plant approvals signal a potential shift in its energy strategy, but its continued reliance on coal complicates global efforts to combat climate change.
Read more: Coal plants grow despite global push for cleaner energy
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Credit: Kay Dittner/Unsplash
Wyoming hesitates to embrace solar energy despite its potential
Wyoming has the ideal conditions for solar energy, yet its development lags behind due to political and economic ties to fossil fuels.
In short:
- Wyoming receives ample sunlight, but only two utility-scale solar farms currently operate in the state.
- The state's economy and policies are heavily influenced by the coal industry, creating barriers to solar energy adoption.
- Four large solar projects are in development, potentially increasing the state’s solar capacity significantly.
Key quote:
“There is economic development happening at a really large scale in surrounding states that is much reduced here.”
— Scott Kane, solar company co-founder
Why this matters:
Expanding solar energy in Wyoming could diversify its economy, reduce dependency on coal and bring significant environmental and financial benefits to the state.
Related EHN coverage:
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US wind and solar could surpass coal for the first time in 2024
Wind and solar power generation exceeded coal in the first seven months of 2024, positioning renewables to potentially outpace coal for the entire year.
In short:
- Wind and solar generated more electricity than coal in the U.S. from January to July, driven by increased solar output.
- The trend reflects the continued retirement of coal plants and rapid growth of renewable energy, particularly in Texas.
- Despite the rise in renewables, challenges remain in meeting increasing electricity demand, which might require new power sources.
Key quote:
“I think you’re seeing a solar surge and a coal decline and hence the lines are crossing.”
— Ric O’Connell, executive director of GridLab
Why this matters:
Wind and solar’s potential to overtake coal marks a significant shift in U.S. energy production, highlighting the ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources. However, balancing grid reliability as demand rises presents critical challenges.
Read more: Coal to solar switch could save 52,000 US lives per year.
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China's renewable energy surge could signal peak in emissions
China’s massive expansion of renewable energy in 2024, equivalent to the UK’s entire electricity output, might indicate that the country’s greenhouse gas emissions have peaked.
In short:
- China’s renewable energy growth in the first half of 2024 matches the UK’s total electricity output from 2023.
- Coal and gas electricity generation in China fell by 5% in July, suggesting a potential peak in emissions.
- Despite gains in clean energy, coal still accounted for 60% of China’s power in 2023, complicating long-term emissions reductions.
Key quote:
"China is leading against all of its competitors, when it comes to green technology."
— Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Policy Institute
Why this matters:
China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and its progress in renewable energy could be crucial in global efforts to combat climate change. However, continued coal reliance poses a significant challenge to reducing emissions.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Ben Scherjon/Pixabay
India turns to coal amid rising electricity demand
India is increasing its coal usage to meet soaring electricity demands, despite its efforts to expand renewable energy.
In short:
- As demand for electricity rises, India relies heavily on coal, with over 70% of its electricity still generated from coal-fired plants.
- India has increased renewable energy capacity but lacks sufficient battery storage to replace coal during peak demand periods, particularly at night.
- The government's focus on coal is also driven by economic factors, including millions of jobs tied to the coal industry and its related sectors.
Key quote:
"We know the Indian government is serious about its climate commitments. We don’t believe that India will be a front runner in the coal transition."
— Carlos Fernández Alvarez, International Energy Agency
Why this matters:
India's reliance on coal challenges global climate goals, as its energy demands continue to grow rapidly. The situation underscores the difficulty of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy in developing nations with large populations and growing economies.
Related:
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Credit: Mark Dixon, Blue Lens, LLC/Flickr
JD Vance's involvement weakens environmental regulations on steel emissions
Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance played a significant role in weakening federal rules aimed at protecting steelworkers and nearby communities from harmful emissions, according to documents reviewed by The Lever.
In short:
- JD Vance urged the EPA to drop proposed rules to limit carcinogenic emissions from steel plants, claiming it would harm U.S. steel production and the economy.
- The EPA's revised rules, influenced by Vance and others, weakened protections against emissions known to cause cancer and respiratory diseases.
- Vance's actions reveal a pattern of prioritizing industrial interests over public health, echoing his past opposition to environmental regulations.
Key quote:
“We have 4 air purifiers, which need [to be] cleaned every 2 days. I try to dust every day, but it's worthless. It's back by that night. My doctor told us if we don't move we'll be in an early grave. You can taste it in your mouth.”
— Clairton, PA resident in a 2023 comment letter to the EPA
Why this matters:
While deregulation may promise short-term economic gains, the long-term health consequences can be severe, especially for those already living on the edge. Read more: EHN's Pittsburgh reporter discusses air pollution from U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works.
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Credit: Steve Buissinne/Pixabay
Northeast Ohio to replace century-old coal plant with solar and storage
A century-old coal-fired power plant in Painesville, Ohio, will be replaced by a solar farm and battery storage system thanks to federal funding.
In short:
- Painesville, Ohio, will retire its coal plant and build a 35 MW solar farm with a 10 MW battery storage system.
- The $80 million project will transform a brownfield site, including a bike trail and wildflower meadow.
- The federal government will fund the project as part of a $4.3 billion initiative to support clean energy.
Key quote:
“With these resources, we will be able to expand our solar infrastructure, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.”
— Chris Ronayne, Cuyahota County Executive
Why this matters:
Replacing coal with solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances local air and water quality. The project illustrates how federal investment can accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
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