China · coal · ultra-supercritical units
China: Give me coal!
1 April 2023 · First published in Capital · Original in Capital →
In brief
When China approved over 100 GW of new coal units, the author argues it is neither a "coal revolution" nor the "end of green policy": China's 1 TW+ coal fleet can't be replaced quickly, and new ultra-supercritical units (45–50% efficiency, low minimum load) serve as balancing plant. Fear of gas and LNG supply cut-offs also explains the push into renewables. Lessons for Bulgaria: the coal technology isn't for us; accelerate solar and wind.