China unveils plan to slash coal power emissions

China unveiled a plan to reduce carbon emissions from its coal-fired power industry by launching low-carbon upgrades and adopting new power generation technologies.

According to a joint action plan issued by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration on Monday, the benchmark for coal power sector emissions will be set at the level of power generated from natural gas.

The plan outlines the application of three low-carbon power generation technologies: biomass blending, green ammonia blending, and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage.

The first low-carbon projects, operational by 2025, aim to achieve average emissions 20 per cent lower than their 2023 levels. By 2027, China plans to expand these projects, reduce their operating costs, and cut average carbon emissions by 50 per cent from 2023 levels.

The government encourages local authorities to support and subsidise these low-carbon initiatives. However, due to the instability of renewable energy sources, coal power will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring energy security, an NDRC spokesperson said in a Q&A session on Tuesday.