China Continues to Support Overseas Coal Plants, Research Reveals, Despite 2021 Pledge

SINGAPORE (Romero.my.id) – A recent examination of energy investments in BRICS nations revealed that Chinese companies continue to construct new coal-powered facilities in Indonesia even after pledging in 2021 to cease funding international coal initiatives.

The U.S.-based think tank Global Energy Monitor reports that China is behind the development of 7.7 gigawatts of new coal-powered facilities, primarily intended for operating nickel smelters in Indonesia.

The BRICS group was established by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2009 and has broadened its member base and partnerships to encompass roughly one-fourth of the worldwide economy and about half of the globe’s climate-changing carbon dioxide emissions.

As rapid expansion occurred in Brazil, India, and China, renewable sources accounted for over half of the region’s overall electricity generation last year. However, the 10 latest additions to the group and their associates—such as Nigeria, Kazakhstan, along with Indonesia—are still heavily dependent on fossil fuels to address increasing power needs, frequently supported by financial assistance from China.

"By investing in coal, gas, and oil, we run a significant risk of steering these nations onto an incorrect course," stated James Norman, who serves as the project manager for GEM's Global Integrated Power Tracker.

According to GEM data, the 10 nations are developing 25 GW of fossil fuel-based power plants, including coal, oil, and natural gas installations, which contrasts with just 2.3 GW of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Additionally, another 63 GW of natural gas-powered facilities are currently being developed.

GEM stated that 62% of the generation capacity currently being built across these 10 nations depends on financial support, purchasing, engineering services, or construction from Chinese state-owned entities. Additionally, China is financing 88% of all newly constructed coal-powered facilities underway.

The Chinese Ministry of Environment did not promptly reply to requests for comments.

In 2021, President Xi Jinping announced that China would cease constructing or financing foreign coal-powered plants. However, research from the previous year revealed that at least 26.2 gigawatts of new capacity backed by China have been developed since this commitment was made.

At a gathering of BRICS leaders scheduled for June in Brazil, tackling climate change will take center stage. The host nation has urged countries like China to increase their pledges towards reducing emissions before the COP 30 climate conference takes place in November.

(This tale has been amended to eliminate an superfluous term in the headline)

(Reported by David Stanway; Edited by Sonali Paul)