forbes.com
Global Coal Use Rises Despite Renewable Energy Investments
China's coal plant construction hit a 10-year high in 2024, adding 66.7 GW of capacity, while India's coal use rose by 5.1%, despite increased renewable energy installations; the US plans to halt coal plant closures, signaling a potential global shift away from rapid renewable energy transitions.
- What is the impact of continued reliance on coal in major economies like China and India on global efforts to reduce carbon emissions?
- Despite global efforts to transition to renewable energy, coal remains a dominant energy source. China's coal plant construction reached a 10-year high in 2024, adding 66.7 GW of capacity, while India's coal use rose by 5.1% in 2024, driven by increased domestic mining. This contrasts with significant investments in renewables, indicating a layering of clean energy atop existing fossil fuel reliance.
- How do the contrasting trends of renewable energy expansion and continued coal use in countries like China and India affect the overall global energy transition?
- The persistence of coal use in major economies like China and India undermines the narrative of a swift energy transition. China, despite leading in renewable energy installations (356 GW of wind and solar in 2024), continues to expand its coal sector. Similarly, India's increased domestic coal mining offsets reduced imports, highlighting the continued dependence on coal for power generation (73.4% in the first 11 months of 2024).
- What are the long-term economic and geopolitical implications of a continued reliance on coal, considering the potential for increased emissions and the shift in manufacturing to countries with high coal consumption?
- The US, under the new Trump administration, signals a shift away from aggressive coal reduction policies. This reflects the high cost and instability associated with rapid transitions to renewables, as seen in Germany's experience. The focus is now on affordable, reliable energy, potentially leading to increased coal use globally, while transferring emissions to countries like China and India remains a concern.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction frame the article around the 'failure' of the energy transition, setting a negative tone and predisposing the reader to skepticism. The repeated use of phrases like 'mythical energy transition' and 'energy futility' reinforces this bias. The sequencing of information, highlighting the continued growth of coal use before discussing renewable energy expansion, further emphasizes the negative narrative.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language such as 'mythical energy transition,' 'energy futility,' and 'King Coal.' These terms carry negative connotations and express skepticism towards the energy transition. More neutral alternatives could include 'ongoing energy transition,' 'current energy trends,' and 'coal's continued role.' The repeated use of the word 'failure' also contributes to a biased tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the continued use of coal in China, India, and the US, but omits discussion of other countries' energy transitions and the overall global progress (or lack thereof) in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It also omits discussion of technological advancements in carbon capture and storage, which could mitigate some of the environmental impact of coal.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between a complete energy transition away from fossil fuels and the continued reliance on coal. It doesn't adequately explore the possibility of a gradual transition with a mix of renewable and fossil fuel sources.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the continued and increased reliance on coal in major economies like China, India, and potentially the US. This directly contradicts efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources, thus negatively impacting climate action.