Greening China's power sector
The country has shut down domestic output but a shift to cleaner fuels will be a slow one. And its coal import needs are showing no signs of abating
Local residents no longer need to breathe its filthy fumes—but the closure of Beijing's last coal-fired power station has even greater significance for the country. China, the world's top coal producer, consumer and importer, is sticking to a pledge to cut its use of the black stuff by 11.8m tonnes by the end of 2017, compared with 2012 levels. It spells trouble for global coal markets, where China's sheer size as a consumer is often the key price mover. The Huaneng Beijing thermal plant is the last of four coal-fired power plants to close in the capital. Similarly to the other three plants, Huaneng Beijing will be replaced by a natural gas-powered facility. China plans to cap its coal consu
Also in this section
28 April 2026
Datacentres will guzzle power at a ferocious rate, but the impact on wider energy markets will be far more complex than previously thought
28 April 2026
The key energy player faces balancing regional routes, political complexities, and creating a clear strategic vision for energy security
24 April 2026
The European Commission’s response to the Middle East crisis is to double down on its transition strategy, with plans for a new target on electrification
24 April 2026
A major new discovery by Eni and BP that can likely be fast-tracked to production is welcome news for Egypt as it scrambles to plug a widening supply gap and deal with rising import risks
