Companies sought approval for 51 gigawatts of new coal-fired power capacity in
China during the first quarter, according to Global Energy Monitor, keeping pace
with the record 162 gigawatts proposed in 2025. Coal construction has
accelerated since power shortages in 2021 and 2022, supported by Beijing’s view
of coal as backup for intermittent renewables. Still, authorities have said coal
use will peak before 2030, while the environment ministry in April pledged to
“rationally control” coal capacity. Only 3 gigawatts of the new proposals have
so far been approved, according to GEM.
