Rethinking the Role of Coal Power in China’s New Power System

Open Resource

Year Published

2025

Contributing Organizations

CERS

Asia Research & Engagement (ARE)

Type of Resource

Research/Insights Report

Languages

Chinese

Relevant Topics

Core Topic

Coal

Target Audience

Governments & Policymakers

Asset Owners

Real Economy Corporates

Project Developers

Advisors & Consultants

Relevant Geography

Asia & the Pacific

Open Resource

Resource Description

This resource explores the future role of coal power in China’s new power system, focusing on its transformation toward cleaner and more flexible operation. It is a research report examining how coal can support the shift to a renewable-based energy system while contributing to energy security and climate goals.

Why This Matters

This resource supports understanding of how coal can transition within China’s energy strategy, helping maintain stability while advancing decarbonization.

Key Insights

Describes coal power’s shift from a primary energy source to one supporting system stability and grid flexibility
Explains that new capacity is still needed in the near term due to limits in alternative flexible resources
Highlights constraints to increasing utilization of existing plants
Outlines retrofit pathways for efficiency, emissions reduction, and flexibility
Emphasizes coal’s long-term role as backup to support renewables and reliability

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