CNN —The world’s coal-fired power capacity grew 2% last year, its highest annual increase since 2016, driven by new builds in China and decommissioning delays elsewhere, according to research published on Thursday. Coal-fired capacity outside China also grew for the first time since 2019, while worldwide only 21.1 GW was shut down, the survey found. Currently, however, another 578 GW of coal capacity is in development. China’s coal plant retirement rate was also at its lowest in a decade last year, amid concerns over energy security. With coal-fired power incompatible with China’s declared longer-term climate goals, GEM said China is running the risk of being lumbered with billions of yuan in stranded assets.

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Persons: Flora Champenois, “, ” Champenois, China’s, ” Organizations: CNN, Global Energy Monitor, GEM, International Energy Agency Locations: China, Paris, India