Coal phase out lessons from a coal-power giant
Shandong province has led China in retiring small coal-fired power units. But the real test, cutting coal reliance while keeping heat and power supplies secure, lies ahead The post Coal phase out lessons from a coal-power giant appeared first on Dialogue Earth .
Shandong province in China has recently completed the retirement of all small coal-fired "extraction condensing" units, marking a significant step towards reducing its reliance on coal power. Between 2021 and 2025, the province shut down 555 coal-fired units with a combined capacity of 17.5 gigawatts, resulting in a decrease in coal consumption per kilowatt-hour from 308g in 2020 to under 295g.
The province's coal power sector remains crucial for electricity generation, heating, and industrial steam supply, particularly in the face of expanding renewable energy.
Shandong's approach to coal phase-out has been strategic, involving the retirement of smaller, less-efficient units while simultaneously developing alternatives and supporting measures for electricity supply, heating, and power-system flexibility. The rapid expansion of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar power, has played a significant role in reducing coal dependence.
Between 2021 and 2025, non-fossil energy sources accounted for 93% of the province's newly installed power capacity, accounting for around 55% of the province's total installed capacity. This shift is fundamentally altering Shandong's power mix, as clean energy sources increasingly meet the growing electricity demand.
Written by urgent.news from Dialogue Earth's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
