China has announced plans to address emissions from its largest polluting sector, coal-based power, using biomass, green ammonia, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, reported Asia Financial.
In an action plan released on Monday by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country outlined strategies combining technological innovation and financial support to manage emissions from coal-fired power plants.
According to the NDRC, China’s initial low-carbon projects employing these technologies will commence operations next year. These projects are expected to achieve an average emission reduction of 20% compared to 2023 levels.
These directives follow China’s record-high use of non-fossil fuel sources for electricity generation in May, coinciding with a historic low in coal-based electricity production.
Despite this progress, the NDRC emphasized that coal-fired power will continue to ensure energy security for the foreseeable future, citing the variability of renewable energy sources as a reason for ongoing reliance on coal.
The NDRC, China’s leading economic planner, outlined a comprehensive strategy to implement these new approaches. This includes providing financial support through ultra-long-term special government bonds and other funding channels, as well as policy measures like green bonds to finance low-carbon initiatives.
Additionally, the plan calls for power grid companies to prioritize support for low-carbon projects and intensify research on biomass combustion, cost-effective green ammonia production, and enhanced CCUS technologies.
