“China’s Ambitious Plan to Reduce Emissions at Coal-Fired Power Plants: What You Need to Know”
China Energy Investment Corporation’s Taizhou coal-fired power plant in Jiangsu, China is set to undergo a significant transformation with the implementation of a carbon capture, utilization, and storage facility. This initiative is part of China’s National Energy Administration and the National Development and Reform Commission’s plan to increase financing for emissions reduction projects at coal-fired power plants.
The construction of the carbon capture and storage facility is scheduled to begin next year, with a focus on utilizing green ammonia and biomass to reduce emissions by 20 percent for each unit of power generated. The goal is to achieve a 50 percent reduction in emissions by 2027 compared to 2023 levels.
Despite being the top energy consumer in the world, China continues to heavily rely on coal as its main energy source. The government’s efforts to develop renewable energy projects are ongoing, but the transition away from coal is challenging due to financial viability issues with biomass power plants and the high costs associated with burning green ammonia in coal power plants.
In June, coal production in China reached a six-month high, indicating the continued reliance on coal as an energy source. The government aims to make emissions from coal plants comparable to those generated by natural gas by 2027, highlighting the country’s commitment to reducing carbon intensity in the power sector.
China plans to implement renewable mega-projects in remote desert areas to harness surplus renewable energy, which could complement the decarbonization efforts in the coal sector. The funding for lower-carbon projects underscores China’s ambitious climate goals while balancing the need for energy security with the use of fossil fuels.
Overall, the carbon capture, utilization, and storage facility at the Taizhou coal-fired power plant represents a significant step towards reducing emissions and transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future in China.