China is doubling down on coal in a bid to prevent more summer power shortages. But more capacity will only add to the structural underutilisation, operational inefficiencies and financial losses blighting the county’s electricity system.

Coal saved China’s hydro-reliant provinces during this summer’s extreme drought. But using thermal plants to prop up the grid during dry periods risks exacerbating the problem of water stress.

Fuel price volatility underscores the need for continued reform of China’s electricity market to achieve its carbon neutrality goal.

China’s recently launched national emissions trading system (ETS) has been both lauded and loathed by pundits. Some see it as hugely important, while others see it as little more than virtue signalling. The reality is somewhere in the middle.

用可指导行动的分析来帮助中国 从煤电转型到清洁电力

Using satellite imagery and machine learning, this report shows replacing China’s coal fleet with zero carbon alternatives could save $1.6 trillion.