China's Coal Consumption Rebounds To Near Prior Peak; 43GW Capacity Added In 18 Months
Chinas efforts to wean itself off coal are losing steam, as the worlds biggest carbon emitter is putting economic growth and energy security above its ambitions to be a leader in combating climate change.
Coal consumption is back near peak levels after rebounding over the past three years, despite Chinas pledges to make steep cuts in what is the countrys most prevalent and polluting source of energy. The country is building more coal-fired plant capacity than the rest of the world combined.
Infrastructure stimulus measures to offset the impact of the prolonged trade war with the U.S. have boosted consumption, while Beijing has taken a softer stance on coal use after a missile attack in September on Saudi Arabia, Chinas biggest source of oil imports, underscored the countrys reliance on foreign energy.
The renewed focus on coal has raised doubts among analysts over Chinas commitment to cutting carbon emissions and frustrated the European Union, which has leaned on China to uphold the Paris Agreement since President Trump pulled the U.S. out in 2017. While China is on track to meet its goals through 2020 and 2030, its mixed signals on coal suggest Beijing is less willing to pursue green-energy goals and join the EU in setting more ambitious emission targets.
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https://desdemonadespair.net/2019/12/in-tougher-times-china-falls-back-on-coal-theres-a-deep-contradiction-in-this.html