New research shows that fossil fuels generate about half of their energy from overseas Chinese-supported power plants.
Carbon dioxide emissions from Chinese-invested power plants Overseas is now an estimated 245 million tons per year, equivalent to annual energy-related CO2 emissions from countries the size of Spain or Thailand, new research finds. shows.
Chinese companies and government-run investment banks financed a total of 171.6 gigawatts of overseas generation capacity, representing a total of 648 power plants in 92 countries, the study said. from Boston University’s Center for Global Development Policy showed Tuesday.
“While China has taken steps to decarbonize its offshore investments… much more can be done to decarbonize China’s global power, including a particular focus on decarbonisation. in Asia, where the highest generation capacity is funded by China and more than 50% is coal-based,” the center said in it. report.
Cecilia Springer, a researcher at Boston University, said: “About half of all China-supported power generation capacity abroad is related to fossil fuels and the pipelines of projects that could cause additional emissions. 100 million tons of CO2 emissions annually if they are completed. center.
“China’s overseas power portfolio is still dominated by coal and large-scale hydroelectricity, showing that China can do more to fulfill its commitment to step up support for green and low-carbon energy in developing countries. growing – especially wind and solar power,” she said.
President Xi Jinping told the United Nations General Assembly last year that China stops investing in coal-fired power plants abroad as part of its pledge to fight climate change, a move estimated to attract around $50 billion in investment.
Experts say Xi’s commitment has led to the immediate cancellation of some overseas projects, although some are still in the “gray zone” and can still go ahead.
China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases Its biggest coal consumer.
The vast majority of China-funded overseas power generation capacity currently in the planning stage will use low-carbon energy sources, a study by Boston University says, demonstrating a recent commitment to ending financing. overseas coal subsidies are in effect.
