China's green transition underpinned by coal 'backup'

From an overall perspective, maintaining the stable operation of the entire power system, including the grid, other power sources and energy storage, still involves high costs, he said. This includes the expense of maintaining backup systems such as coal-fired power plants, which continue to provide essential support for China's ongoing energy transition.

Li Qionghui, a retired researcher from the State Grid Energy Research Institute, noted that greater coal-fired power capacity does not automatically translate into higher emissions, and that annual utilization hours could drop to around 2,000 hours.

"The current expansion of coal-fired power capacity is driven by the grid's need for flexibility," Li said.

From a technological perspective, Li noted that while new power sources may emerge to replace coal-fired power in providing flexible load control, a new generation of coal-fired plants — through clean transformation measures such as hydrogen and ammonia co-firing — offers a potential pathway to achieve carbon emissions comparable to those of natural gas.

Currently, these next-generation coal-fired power plants remain in the demonstration phase, limited not only by high costs but also by operational challenges such as significant wear and tear, she said.

Li said that the localization of wind and solar power consumption could be a potential way to relieve the country from its dependence on coal-fired power.

If more renewable energy could be consumed locally instead of being transferred to the grid for distribution, the grid would no longer have as high a demand for flexibility, which would also reduce the demand for coal-fired power.

According to a guideline released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in January, new industrial parks must consume at least 60 percent of their renewable energy on-site.

China does intend to reduce its reliance on coal-fired power, but this must be done while safeguarding its own energy security and maintaining stable development, Li said.

Ultimately, China's strategy is rooted in long-term sustainability rather than an inherent attachment to fossil fuels. The expansion of coal capacity is a pragmatic response to the challenges of energy security, urban heating and the inherent volatility of green energy. By maintaining a robust backup system, China is creating the stable environment necessary for its renewable sector to continue its world-stunning growth.

The transition is driven by a dual necessity: cutting emissions while ensuring that the power never goes out, Li said.

houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn