Global coal-fired power capacity rises in ’24

Global coal-fired power capacity grew by just 18.8 gigawatts in 2024, its smallest increase in two decades, according to data from Global Energy Monitor (GEM). Despite a record surge in renewables, 44 GW of new coal power was commissioned, surpassing the 25.2 GW of retirements, with China and India leading the charge.

Despite pledging to “strictly control” new coal capacity, China—the world’s largest energy consumer—brought 30.5 GW online last year, accounting for over 70 per cent of the global total. However, this was lower than the 47.4 GW added in 2023.

India’s coal power capacity grew by 5.6 GW in 2024, up from 5.5 GW in 2023, according to data from GEM. Other countries that commissioned new plants in 2024 included Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Korea, and the Philippines.

Despite the expansion in fossil fuels, renewable energy grew by 585 GW in 2024, representing 92.5 per cent of global capacity additions. However, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) warned that renewables need to grow by 16.6 per cent annually through 2030 to meet climate goals, as energy demand outpaces the transition to cleaner sources.

Experts argue that the shift from fossil fuels is not happening fast enough to meet future energy needs, with renewables mainly addressing the growing demand rather than replacing fossil fuel use entirely.

Attribution: Reuters
Subediting: M. S. Salama