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Carbon dioxide emissions from global overseas coal-fired power plants

Author

Listed:
  • Peng Guo

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Huizhong Shen

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Yilin Chen

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology
    Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School)

  • Hancheng Dai

    (Peking University)

  • Zelin Mai

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Ruibin Xu

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Ruixin Zhang

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Zhanxiang Wang

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Jinling He

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Lianming Zheng

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Haitong Zhe Sun

    (National University of Singapore
    University of Cambridge)

  • Kainan Ke

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Jing Meng

    (University College London)

  • Maodian Liu

    (Peking University
    Yale University)

  • Jin Li

    (Peking University)

  • Wulahati Adalibieke

    (Peking University)

  • Chen Wang

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Jianhuai Ye

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Lei Zhu

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Guofeng Shen

    (Peking University)

  • Tzung-May Fu

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Albert Tsang

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Xin Yang

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Armistead G. Russell

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Charles T. Driscoll

    (Syracuse University)

  • Shu Tao

    (Southern University of Science and Technology
    Southern University of Science and Technology
    Peking University)

Abstract

Foreign investments in overseas coal-fired power plants (OCPs) largely impede decarbonization efforts, yet their global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have not been sufficiently quantified. Here we analyse investment data from 908 OCPs worldwide, and then reveal current annual emissions of 0.53 GtCO2 yr−1 and a historical cumulative total of 26 GtCO2. Developed nations account for 78% of these cumulative emissions on the basis of investments, while emissions from developing nations have surged from 8% in 1960 to 39% in 2022. Assuming unchanged policies and technologies, OCPs are projected to contribute an additional 15–30 GtCO2 in cumulative emissions by 2060 directly. Furthermore, they could stimulate local coal power growth in emerging economies, potentially adding 6.3–45.0 GtCO2 emissions indirectly. Our study underscores the critical importance of low-carbon policy interventions in emerging countries to curb the power-sector carbon emissions increasingly influenced by international capital.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng Guo & Huizhong Shen & Yilin Chen & Hancheng Dai & Zelin Mai & Ruibin Xu & Ruixin Zhang & Zhanxiang Wang & Jinling He & Lianming Zheng & Haitong Zhe Sun & Kainan Ke & Jing Meng & Maodian Liu & Jin, 2024. "Carbon dioxide emissions from global overseas coal-fired power plants," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 14(11), pages 1151-1157, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:14:y:2024:i:11:d:10.1038_s41558-024-02114-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02114-y
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