The latest analysis, A High Ambition Coal Phaseout in China: Feasible Strategies through a Comprehensive Plant-by-Plant Assessment, from the University of Maryland Center for Global Sustainability (CGS), the Energy Research Institute (ERI) of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, and the North China Electric Power University demonstrates that a 1.5°C compatible coal power phaseout is now possible for China through a structured and sustainable retirement strategy.
The report finds that it is feasible to achieve a 2°C and a 1.5°C compatible coal power phaseout in China by 2050 or even earlier with relatively small economic impact. To do this, a three-principle strategy needs to be followed: no new coal plant construction, rapid shutdown of older and inefficient plants, and a shift of coal generation from baseload to peak load in China’s power system.