China’s low-carbon energy transition will be slow
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Significance
Beijing has prioritised energy security over climate goals despite increasing extreme weather-linked damage and international concern. Although new coal-powered plant approvals have slowed and renewables constitute a growing share of the energy mix, fossil fuel production and consumption remain high.
Impacts
- Energy security, underpinned by coal, will remain a key priority.
- The scale of coal consumption and imports will depend greatly on extreme weather events, including droughts that constrain hydroelectricity.
- China is unlikely to sign on for the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline in the near future.
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