New coal plants in China soar despite President Xi’s pledge to ‘strictly control’ dirtiest fuel

News Snapshot:

China ramped up coal power capacity last year, according to new analysis, despite a pledge to "strictly control" the dirtiest fossil fuel. The country added 47.4 Gigawatts (GW) of new coal power in 2023, more than double the amount added by the rest of the world combined. It raises concerns that gains in clean power, including by China, are being undermined by the persistent use of coal, the worst energy form for climate change and air pollution. Analysts say China may not use all the capacity it has built. Beijing has promised to reduce coal consumption from 2026, and said...