People drive past a coal-fired power plant in Shanghai, China October 21, 2021. REUTERS/Aly Song
People drive past a coal-fired power plant in Shanghai, China October 21, 2021. REUTERS/Aly Song

China targets 1.8% cut in average coal use at power plants by 2025

China flagged on Wednesday it is targetting a 1.8% reduction in average coal use for electricity generation at power plants over the next five years, in a bid to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The target, announced by China's economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), comes as the world's top climate negotiators have gathered in Scotland for the COP26 climate talks. Average coal use for electricity generation in China fell by about 17.4% in the 15 years till 2020. NDRC's statement did not refer to the U.N. event, which Chinese President Xi Jinping is not attending and offered no additional pledges in a written response.


 

 

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