Coal power generation falls in China and India for first time since 1970s | Energy industry
Coal-fired power generation fell last year in China and India for the first time since the 1970s, in a “historic” moment that could lead to a drop in global emissions, an analysis has found.
The simultaneous decline in coal-generated electricity in the largest coal-consuming countries had not occurred since 1973, according to analysts at the Center for Energy and Clean Air Research, and was due to a record deployment of clean energy projects.
The study, commissioned by climate news site Carbon Brief, found that electricity produced by coal plants fell 1.6% in China and 3% in India last year, after the clean energy boom in both countries was more than enough to meet their growing energy demands.
“The decline in coal power and the record increase in clean energy in China and India mark a historic moment,” according to the report, which could be “a sign of things to come.”
Together, these countries are responsible for more than 90% of the increase in global carbon emissions between 2015 and 2024, meaning that a permanent reduction in coal use could lead to a spike in global coal consumption and global emissions.
China added more than 300 GW of solar power and 100 GW of wind power last year – together, more than five times the UK’s total existing electricity generation capacity – both of which are “clear new records for China and, therefore, any country”, the report said.
India added 35 GW of solar power, 6 GW of wind power and 3.5 GW of hydropower last year, according to the analysis. Faster growth in clean energy accounts for 44% of the reduction in coal and gas generation in India, compared to the previous five years, marking the first time that growth in clean energy has played a significant role in the decline in coal-fired power generation in India.
However, about 36% of India’s fossil fuel reduction is due to milder weather conditions, while 20% is due to slower growth in underlying demand, meaning an increase in harsh summer temperatures could increase demand for air conditioning and reverse falling energy demand.
In recent years, the expected peak in global coal production has been undermined by Russia’s war with Ukraine, which has sent global gas prices soaring and pushed many developing countries to burn cheaper coal.
The International Energy Agency said just over a year ago that the rebound, after a slowdown during the global Covid pandemic, could mean coal power remains at near-record levels until 2027.
