The Lalibre.be information site gave the reasons why China will not be able to completely get rid of coal, while it is investing heavily in renewable energies.
China is both the country which alone builds the most power plants using this fossil fuel, and the one which invests the most in new energies. A paradox often pointed out but which can be explained.
Indeed, China is struggling to get rid of coal, which is a polluting fossil fuel, because this energy guaranteed supply (1) sufficient for the whole country. Indeed, nearly 60% of electricity in China is produced from coal. China has nevertheless committed to reaching the peak of its carbon emissions by 2030, then the “Carbon neutrality” by 2060. But China does not say how it plans to replace coal, said Li Shuo of Greenpeace China.
In addition, in 2020 China commissioned new coal-fired power plants capable of producing 38.4 gigawatts (GW) of electricity. In addition, at the end of 2020, China had to ration electricity amid a coal shortage. Despite the winter temperatures, tens of millions of Chinese have had to face power cuts decided by the authorities.
Read also : China is building new coal factories
Then the coal is a engine of employment at the national level (2). Of the 6 million coal miners in China, more than a third have lost their jobs as a result of mine closures, according to a study by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Fear of mass unemployment which could lead to social unrest has forced China to put its targets for reducing polluting emissions on hold.
Then, coal mining is geographically complicated (3). Most of the “clean” energy (wind, solar and hydro) in China is produced in the far west of the country. While the most dynamic regions for the economy, and therefore more energy intensive, are located in the east. This end highlighted the lack of high voltage lines in China to carry the green electricity produced.
Read also : China lacks energy and relaunches coal production
China has a insufficiently ambitious carbon market (4) according to Greepeace China. Indeed, in July China launched its ” carbon market ”, which sets pollution ceilings for businesses for the first time. If they do not respect these quotas, they have to buy “Right to pollute” to other companies with a lower carbon footprint. But for many observers, the price in China is too low (less than $ 7) compared to those in the European Union (around $ 36) and California ($ 17).
Read also : “The Chinese national carbon market is functioning well”
In China, there is obligation for companies to purchase energy produced by coal (5). Indeed, Soviet-type energy quotas force state enterprises to buy more electricity produced from coal, even though renewables are now cheaper. The government is trying to modify or abolish this system, but the measures have stalled for ten years.
