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CLAIM – Meanwhile, China is burning more coal than the rest of the world combined, and China is building six times more new coal plants than the rest of the world combined.
FACT – China is indeed the world’s largest coal consumer. Also, it does burn more coal than the rest of the world combined. Similarly, while China is constructing many new coal plants, comparing them directly to the rest of the world’s combined construction lacks comprehensive data.
Claim Post –
WHAT DOES THE CLAIM SAY
China’s role in global coal consumption and coal plant construction has been a subject of concern and debate in the context of climate change and environmental sustainability. We saw a recent tweet stating that China is burning more coal than the rest of the world combined and is building six times more new coal plants than other nations.
WHAT WE FOUND
Claim 1: China is burning more coal than the rest of the world combined.
Fact-Check:
According to data from the Global Carbon Project, an international research consortium tracking carbon emissions, China is the world’s largest coal and carbon consumer. According to the most recent data in 2021, China accounts for approximately 53.8% of global coal consumption. Also, it is essential to note that these figures equate to China burning more coal than the rest of the world combined.
Claim 2: China is building six times more new coal plants than the rest of the world combined.
Fact-Check:
This claim requires closer examination regarding the construction of new coal-fired power plants. The report released by Global Energy Monitor and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reveals that China permitted the equivalent of two new coal power plants per week in 2022. The country quadrupled its new coal power approvals compared to the previous year, despite many other nations moving away from coal. Additionally, China is reportedly building six times more new coal plants than the rest of the world combined.
In this article, we will fact-check these claims and examine the implications of China’s coal-related activities on the world’s efforts to combat climate change.
An Overview of the World’s Fossil Fuel Combustion
The combustion of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, driving global climate change. As the world’s population and industrialisation grow, energy demands have surged, increasing fossil fuel consumption. In recent years, concerns about climate change and environmental degradation have led to increased scrutiny of global carbon emissions and the role of coal in exacerbating the crisis. Reports suggest that China’s coal consumption and plant construction surpass that of the rest of the world combined.
China’s Fossil Fuel Combustion as the Major Contributor
As the world’s most populous country and rapidly developing economy, China plays a significant role in global fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
According to data in 2021, China and India emerged as the world’s largest coal consumers, reflecting their immense populations and energy demands. China’s coal consumption reached 86.2 exajoules, constituting approximately 53.8% of global coal consumption, while India’s consumption stood at 20.1 exajoules, accounting for 12.5% of the total.
The data highlights that as of July 2022, China has the most significant number of coal-fired power stations globally, with a staggering 1,118 operational plants on its mainland. This figure is nearly four times higher than India, which is second in coal power stations.
Contextualising the Situation of energy requirements in China
While China’s coal consumption and construction of coal-fired power plants are substantial, it is crucial to understand the broader context. China’s rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have led to high energy demands, and coal has historically been a primary energy source. Coal has been a readily available and affordable energy source in China to meet this growing demand, especially in powering heavy industries and providing electricity to its vast population.
China possesses abundant coal reserves, making it a readily accessible domestic energy resource. China has proven coal reserves of 149,818 million tons, comparable to 34.7 times its annual consumption and accounting for around 13% of the world’s total. China’s coal reserves climbed by 28% in 2021, while its exploration expenditure increased by 10%. This accessibility has been a critical factor in shaping its energy mix, as it reduces dependency on imported energy sources and enhances energy security.
Additionally, coal-fired power plants offer a stable and reliable source of electricity supply, especially during periods of high demand or when renewable energy sources. These plants can act as backup support during peak electricity consumption, ensuring grid stability.
Recent reports indicate that China has permitted many new coal power plants, raising concerns about its contribution to global emissions and climate change.
Factors Driving New Coal Plant Approvals
Construction on 50 GW of coal power capacity in China began in 2022, an increase of more than 50% from 2021. According to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, New coal power projects totalling 106 GW were approved, and it will be two sizable coal power plants per week.
The surge in new coal power plant permits is partly attributed to China’s response to ongoing drought and a historic heatwave the previous summer. The increased demand for air conditioning and grid instability during the heatwave prompted authorities to permit more coal plants. The scarcity of hydropower due to the drought also contributed to the rise in coal usage. Furthermore, high prices for liquified natural gas due to geopolitical tensions led at least one province to turn to coal as a more affordable alternative. China is leading in constructing new solar and wind energy projects while permitting new coal plants. The government and industry argue that these coal plants will serve as backup support during intense electricity demand or when renewable sources face, like during heat waves.
China’s Contribution to Climate Change:
China is the world’s largest consumer of coal, accounting for the majority of global coal consumption. Its significant use of coal has resulted in substantial greenhouse gas emissions, making it a critical player in the climate crisis.
China’s contribution to climate change must be noticed with such a large share of global coal consumption and fossil fuel combustion. China’s heavy reliance on coal has substantial implications for climate change. The nation emits nearly a third of all artificial greenhouse gases globally, more than the United States, Europe, and Japan combined. Coal combustion plays a significant role in driving up energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, impacting the planet’s climate and environment.
China’s Mitigation Plans and Suggestions for Sustainability
Considering the immense environmental impact, examining China’s mitigation plans and sustainability efforts is crucial. What steps is China taking to transition towards cleaner energy sources and reduce its reliance on coal? Analysing these initiatives can provide insights into China’s commitment to combat climate change.
In recent years, the Chinese government has taken steps to address environmental concerns and reduce coal usage. The State Council unveiled a comprehensive energy-saving and emission-reduction strategy as part of the 14th five-year plan from 2021 to 2025.
According to the plan, China’s energy intensity should decrease by 13.5% from 2020 to 2025. They have implemented policies promoting renewable energy sources and initiated efforts to improve energy efficiency. However, it can be seen that even their past climate change mitigation goals have yet to be achieved by the Chinese government.
Experts suggest that improving China’s electric grid efficiency and enabling energy sharing across regions can aid in transitioning to greener energy sources. Shifting coal investments into renewables and storage is an intelligent decision, avoiding “stranded assets” that may lose value over time. However, recent actions, such as approving new coal projects and increasing coal mining capacity, have raised concerns about aligning China’s efforts with its stated climate goals.
Conclusion
China’s significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions necessitates practical climate mitigation efforts. Encouraging China to prioritise renewable and nuclear energy sources while phasing out coal-fired power plants will ensure a sustainable and greener future for the planet.
The verified data confirms that China permits many new coal power plants, and the country’s coal consumption remains significant. While China is also a leader in renewable energy development, its reliance on coal raises questions about its commitment to combating climate change. Addressing the environmental impact of new coal plants and transitioning to cleaner energy sources is essential for China to align with global climate change mitigation efforts and its emissions reduction goals.
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-with inputs from Nuwandhara Mudalige –
