Fact Check: China created 20 gigawatts of coal power plant capacity in 2024

China Created 20 Gigawatts of Coal Power Plant Capacity in 2024: A Detailed Analysis

Introduction

The claim that "China created 20 gigawatts of coal power plant capacity in 2024" has emerged in discussions surrounding the country's energy policies and its transition towards renewable energy. This assertion requires careful examination, particularly in light of the broader context of China's coal power construction activities in 2024.

What We Know

1. Construction Volume: Reports indicate that China began construction on 94.5 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power capacity in 2024, marking the highest level of new coal power construction since 2015 1247. This figure significantly exceeds the 20 GW mentioned in the claim.

2. Permitted Capacity: In addition to construction starts, 66.7 GW of new coal power capacity was permitted in 2024, which is a decline from previous years but still substantial 25.

3. Global Context: China's coal power construction accounted for 93% of global coal power construction starts in 2024, underscoring the country's dominant role in this sector 9.

4. Resumption of Projects: The data also indicates that 3.3 GW of previously suspended projects were resumed in 2024, contributing to the overall increase in coal power capacity 4.

5. Renewable Energy Growth: Despite the rise in coal construction, China also added 356 GW of wind and solar power capacity in 2024, highlighting a complex energy landscape where coal and renewables are both expanding 10.

Analysis

The claim that China created 20 GW of coal power capacity appears to be an understatement when compared to the reported figures. The sources consistently indicate that the actual construction figure is 94.5 GW, which raises questions about the accuracy of the claim.

Source Evaluation

• Reuters and AP News: Both outlets are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards. They report on the same data from Global Energy Monitor, which is a credible source for energy statistics 12.

• Carbon Brief: This organization focuses on climate and energy issues and provides detailed reports based on research from credible entities like the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and Global Energy Monitor 4. However, it is essential to consider potential bias in their framing of coal power as a setback for clean energy.

• Greenpeace: While Greenpeace is a well-known environmental organization, its reports may carry an inherent bias towards promoting renewable energy and criticizing fossil fuels. This should be taken into account when evaluating their claims about coal power approvals 8.

• Power Magazine: This publication provides industry insights and has reported on the economic factors influencing coal power in China. Its analysis may offer a more nuanced view of the energy market 10.

Methodological Considerations

The figures cited by various sources stem from a worldwide database maintained by Global Energy Monitor, which is generally considered reliable. However, the methodology behind how these figures are compiled and reported is crucial for understanding their accuracy. Additional transparency regarding the data collection process would enhance the credibility of these statistics.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "China created 20 gigawatts of coal power plant capacity in 2024" is false. Evidence indicates that China actually began construction on 94.5 gigawatts of coal-fired power capacity during the same period, significantly exceeding the figure mentioned in the claim. This discrepancy highlights the importance of scrutinizing energy statistics and understanding the broader context of China's energy policies.

While the reported figures are sourced from reputable organizations, it is essential to acknowledge that the methodology behind these statistics may have limitations. The data collection processes and potential biases in reporting can affect the interpretation of the numbers. Therefore, while the evidence strongly contradicts the claim, readers should remain aware of the complexities involved in energy reporting.

As always, it is crucial for readers to critically evaluate information and seek out multiple sources to form a well-rounded understanding of the topic at hand.

Sources

1. China's 2024 coal power construction hits 10-year high, researchers say. Reuters. Link
2. New coal power plant projects in China hit the highest level in nearly ... AP News. Link
3. Global coal power capacity inches up in 2024, data shows. Reuters. Link
4. China's construction of new coal-power plants 'reached 10-year high' in ... Carbon Brief. Link
5. PDF CREA_GEM_China_Coal power_H2 2024_FINAL. Link
6. New coal power plant projects in China hit the highest level in nearly ... CNN. Link
7. China Builds Record Coal Power Capacity: Setback for the Clean Energy ... Outlook Business. Link
8. China approved 10.34 GW of new coal in the first half of 2024, a -79.5 ... Greenpeace. Link
9. China's 2024 coal power construction hits 10-year high. Taipei Times. Link
10. China Coal-Fired Generation Additions Tied to Economics ... Power Magazine. Link