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Behind China's coal power dominance: What do these numbers tell you?
Globally, coal power remains one of the major sources of electricity. In fact, there are about 2,500 coal power plants around the world, and they generate about one-third of our electricity every year. However, behind coal power are huge environmental costs and health risks. According to data, coal power plants emit about 12 billion tons of carbon dioxide every year, making them one of the world's largest contributors to climate change.
"Carbon dioxide emissions damage the climate system and exacerbate the effects of global warming."
In the history of coal power development, the first appearance of coal power plants can be traced back to the end of the 19th century. With the development of steam turbines, larger factories were created in the early 20th century to provide widespread power. Nowadays, coal power technology has become more mature. Through ash processing and coal transportation systems, the operating efficiency of these plants has been continuously improved.
China’s coal power advantages
More than half of coal-fired power comes from China, giving China an important role in the global energy landscape. In 2023, China is still accelerating the increase in coal power production, which poses many challenges to global climate goals. As energy demand in developing countries continues to grow, especially in countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam, coal power remains their main electricity technology choice.
"In the global energy structure adjustment, developing countries are facing huge challenges, and the transformation of coal power is particularly difficult."
Challenges of transportation and storage
Coal is transported by various means, including road, rail and sea transport. Large coal trains can be up to 2 kilometers long, and once delivered, power plants typically require at least one shipment of this size per day. However, the handling and handling of coal also raises environmental concerns.
Health and environmental risks
Pollution from coal-fired power is a growing concern, especially as it has been linked to rising rates of diseases such as ama and heart disease. In the United States, the public health threat from PM2.5 caused by coal power has even led to an estimated 460,000 premature deaths.
"Pollution from coal power not only affects the environment, but also poses a direct threat to human health."
Economic Benefits and Policy Challenges
From an economic perspective, the issue of coal power subsidies has triggered extensive discussions. In 2020, the coal industry received US$18 billion in subsidies in the United States, and these funds supported the operation of coal power to a certain extent. As renewable energy continues to rise, this situation may be impacted in the future.
Future possibilities
With growing international concern about climate change, China has pledged to limit the growth of coal power by 2030 and phase it out by 2040. The promotion of this policy will promote the development of renewable energy and bring new changes to the global electricity market.
"A rapid and safe transformation is crucial, otherwise we will face more environmental crises in the future."
What is thought-provoking is when will global dependence on coal power come to an end, and how many countries will be able to successfully transition to more sustainable forms of energy during the transition process?
