Record low in global coal power outside China sets high expectations for COP28

Just before the commencement of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai this week, the latest quarterly data from the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) indicates a significant decrease in new coal power generation globally, excluding China.

As per the most recent data from the Global Coal Plant Tracker, as of October 2023, the construction starts for power plants this year are barely managing to surpass the 2 GW mark. This is a stark contrast to the annual average of approximately 16 GW observed in the same countries over the past eight years (2015 to 2022).

Currently, the decline in coal power capacity construction outside China is set to reach an all-time low by the end of 2023. This represents a major shift since GEM started its annual data collection in 2015.

This data serves as a beacon of hope for world leaders convening at COP28, particularly considering that there are still 131 coal projects (110 GW) outside China that are yet to be addressed. These plans are either under consideration, announced, in pre-permit status, or in the permitting stage.

Here are the key insights from the latest data from the Global Coal Power Tracker as of October 2023:

• In the first three quarters of 2023, 18.3 GW of coal capacity has been shifted from the proposed (announced, pre-permit, permitted) category to the deferred category.
• Despite this decrease, 15.3 GW of entirely new proposals are being considered, notably in India (8.6 GW), Indonesia (2.5 GW), Kazakhstan (4.1 GW), and Mongolia (0.05 GW). Additionally, 4.2 GW of capacity that was previously closed or canceled is now being reconsidered.
• The coal capacity moving from the reserved category to officially being scrapped has seen a significant increase, from 32 GW to a total of 39 GW in 2022.
• As per the most recent data (July 2023), Southeast Asia and South Asia lead in coal power capacity under construction outside China, with India (31.6 GW), Indonesia (14.5 GW), Bangladesh (5.8 GW), and Vietnam (5.4 GW) accounting for 84% of the 67 GW under construction.

Flora Champenois, Project Manager of the Global Coal Power Tracker, commented on the significance of the data, stating, “This trend in coal plans is a welcome development ahead of the challenging negotiations at COP28. Governments, banks, and all stakeholders have a role to play in accelerating the transition to clean energy."

The Global Energy Monitor, dedicated to providing open access to the information necessary for building a sustainable energy future, and the Global Coal Plant Tracker, which catalogs coal-fired power units worldwide, contribute crucial data to decision-makers working towards a clean energy future.

Keep Reading

• More Efforts Than Currently Needed To Limit Warming To 2.5-2.9°C
• Global Temperature Spikes Above 2°C For First Time, Scientists Warn Of Climate Risks
• Countries Set To Triple Renewable Energy Capacity: Ember Analysis
• Greenfield Port At Vadhavan Dahanu, Controversy Explained

Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected].