China increases its consumption of coal

Coal mine in Dadong, Shanxi province, China, December 3, 2009. ASSOCIATED PRESS - Andy Wong

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

Despite its commitments to reduce its CO2 emissions, Beijing has announced an increase in its coal consumption to support the economic recovery.

A decision denounced by environmental NGOs. 

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China is learning the lessons of last summer when its power plants were forced to idle, causing cuts and seizing up production when demand was very strong.

In question, the soaring global cost of raw materials, China is 60% dependent on coal to power its power plants. 

The situation has since stabilized, but for the Chinese Prime Minister, energy security must be “ 

 ” and “

”.

No exact number

No quantified target was given, but Beijing had already authorized – in recent months – the reopening of coal mines.

A development model that consists of supporting the economy at all costs, despite commitments in favor of the climate, commented Greenpeace China.

President Xi Jinping has promised to start cutting his country's carbon emissions by 2030.

And indeed, China is the country in the world that invests the most in clean energy.

But the Asian giant also remains the world's leading coal producer and the world's leading polluter.

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• China

• Energies

• Economy

• Xi Jinping

• Trade and distribution