China's power sector emissions to surpass 4 billion metric tons in 2023

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🗞️ Driving the news: In 2023, China's carbon dioxide emissions from its power sector are expected to exceed 4 billion metric tons for the first time, driven by a significant increase in coal-fired electricity production 
• This marks a considerable rise from previous years, with data from Ember showing a 5.5% increase from 2022 and a 22% increase over the past five years

🔭 The context: The rise in emissions is attributed to China's heavy reliance on coal for power generation 
• As of October 2023, coal-fired power accounted for nearly 95% of the country's total fossil fuel pollution from electricity production 

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: China's growing emissions are significant in the global context. China is currently responsible for about 57% of the world’s coal-fired electricity generation 
• This output is in contrast to the global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels to combat climate change

⏭️ What's next: Coal's share in China's total electricity generation has been declining, dropping to about 62% in 2023 from over 71% in 2015 and the country plans to further expand its clean and renewable energy sources. However, coal is expected to retain a significant role in the near term

💬 One quote: "Beijing has plans to further accelerate the roll out of clean power supplies, led by renewables, over the coming decades and additional cuts to coal-fired generation" (Gavin Maguire, author)

📈 One stat: Coal-fired power emissions in China reached 3.87 billion tons through October 2023, making up almost 95% of the country’s total fossil fuel pollution from electricity production

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