China cuts coal power plant approvals after 2022-23 rise alarmed climate experts

Approvals for new coal-fired power plants in China dropped sharply in the first half of this year (Ng Han Guan/AP)

Approvals for new coal-fired power plants in China dropped sharply in the first half of this year, according to analysis released on Tuesday, after a flurry of permits in the previous two years raised concern about the government’s commitment to limiting climate change.

A review of project documents by Greenpeace East Asia found that 14 new coal plants were approved from January to June with a total capacity of 10.3 gigawatts, down 80% from 50.4 gigawatts in the first half of last year.