The Chinese energy regulator National Energy Administration (NEA) aims to shut down 8.66 GW of obsolete coal-fired power capacity by the end 2019, as part of its strategy to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The retirements will encompass all coal-fired power units under 50 MW in all provinces and regions and power units between 50 MW and 100 MW located in regions covered by large-scale power grids. Large coal-fired power units having reached the end of their designed service period will also have to shut down. Two regions will be the most impacted, namely Guangdong (2.3 GW of capacity to be stopped by the end of the year) and Henan province (1.6 GW).
China aims to cut the share of coal in its power mix but coal consumption is still growing and more than 200 GW of coal-fired power projects are estimated to be under development in the country.