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 China’s booming power stations infographic
Graphic charts China’s coal-fired power capacity since 2010.
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ENERGY

China approves record number of coal-fired power stations

By Ninian Carter

February 27, 2023 - In 2022, Beijing approved the construction of two new coal-fired power stations per week, for a total capacity of 106 gigawatts.

China approved the construction of 106 gigawatts of coal-fired power station capacity in 2022, the highest amount since 2015 – a rate of two new power stations every week.

The amount of new capacity had slowed in recent years following a peak in 2015 when provincial governments gained the authority to permit new projects.

The sudden rise in 2022 is designed to ensure the stability of the power grid – China suffered a wave of blackouts in September 2021 due to coal supply shortages, and a long drought last summer saw a dramatic drop in hydro-electric power generation.

Beijing is trying to rejuvenate its economy after growth stagnated due to its stringent “Zero-Covid” policy, raising concerns that its low-carbon efforts will be marginalised.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 27/02/2023; STORY: Graphic News
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