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Chinese Utilities Ramp Up Coal Plant Proposals Despite Government Push for Restraint

Chinese energy companies are submitting new coal power plant proposals at an accelerating pace, defying government efforts to slow capacity growth. The companies filed applications for 51 gigawatts of new coal-fired generation in the first quarter of 2026, putting the sector on track to potentially exceed last year's record. In 2025, firms proposed 162 gigawatts of new coal plants over the full year. The surge reflects ongoing reliance on coal as a dependable source to complement renewable energy's intermittent output. The expansion trajectory traces back to power shortages that affected China in 2021 and 2022, prompting officials to encourage coal development as grid stabilization infrastructure. Despite stated commitment to reining in coal growth, the wave of new proposals signals continued confidence in coal's role in meeting China's energy demands.