China’s Carbon Neutrality Dilemma: The Expansion of Coal Power Plants and Its Implications
- Author Kang, Taek Goo
- Researchers Huang, Paul An-Hao;Hung, Ming-Te;Shim, Changsub;Yim, Chae-Un
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Date
2023-12-31
Ⅰ. Introduction
o Despite the declaration of carbon neutrality by 2060, China has notably increased the issuance of permits for coal power plants amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
ㅇA combined total of 106.8GW for new coal power plant projects received permits and pre-permits in 2022, resulting in an approval rate equivalent to TWo new coal power plants per week.
ㅇIt is ironic that China is ramping up coal power generation at a time when it should be expediting its transition to cleaner energy sources in alignment with the 2060 carbon-neutral target.
-The expansion of China’ coal power generation poses a critical issue due to its direct impact on our geographically adjacent air environment in the future.
-If China persists in expanding coal power generation, the issue of fine particulate matter is likely to emerge as a point of conflict beTWeen Korea and China.
o Based on the provided background, the aim of this study is as follows:
ㅇDespite China’s declaration of carbon neutrality by 2060, this study analyzes the expansion strategy of coal power generation from the perspectives of energy security and carbon neutrality and proposes policy implications for Korea-China cooperation and Northeast Asia cooperation.
Ⅱ. Overview of China’s Expansion in Coal Power Generation
1. Overview of China’s Energy Structure
o At the global level, China holds the position of both the largest producer and consumer of coal, a carbon-intensive fossil fuel.
ㅇAs of 2020, China’s coal production and consumption stand at 3,901.58 million tons and 4,048.6 million tons, respectively, securing its top
o Despite the declaration of carbon neutrality by 2060, China has notably increased the issuance of permits for coal power plants amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
ㅇA combined total of 106.8GW for new coal power plant projects received permits and pre-permits in 2022, resulting in an approval rate equivalent to TWo new coal power plants per week.
ㅇIt is ironic that China is ramping up coal power generation at a time when it should be expediting its transition to cleaner energy sources in alignment with the 2060 carbon-neutral target.
-The expansion of China’ coal power generation poses a critical issue due to its direct impact on our geographically adjacent air environment in the future.
-If China persists in expanding coal power generation, the issue of fine particulate matter is likely to emerge as a point of conflict beTWeen Korea and China.
o Based on the provided background, the aim of this study is as follows:
ㅇDespite China’s declaration of carbon neutrality by 2060, this study analyzes the expansion strategy of coal power generation from the perspectives of energy security and carbon neutrality and proposes policy implications for Korea-China cooperation and Northeast Asia cooperation.
Ⅱ. Overview of China’s Expansion in Coal Power Generation
1. Overview of China’s Energy Structure
o At the global level, China holds the position of both the largest producer and consumer of coal, a carbon-intensive fossil fuel.
ㅇAs of 2020, China’s coal production and consumption stand at 3,901.58 million tons and 4,048.6 million tons, respectively, securing its top