Limited progress in replacing “dirty” power plants
Clean power plants must replace “dirty” power plants fueled by coal or natural gas.
Clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, and even nuclear, offer viable alternatives to fossil fuels for electricity generation. While new clean power plants are being constructed to expand overall electrical capacity, the transition away from fossil fuels has been slow.
Existing coal and natural gas power plants remain competitive, with cheaper natural gas plants often being built to replace aging coal plants. Globally, the number of these “dirty” power plants has remained relatively stable, contributing to persistent CO2 emissions, with some increases observed in countries like China.[1][2]
Existing coal and natural gas power plants remain competitive, with cheaper natural gas plants often being built to replace aging coal plants. Globally, the number of these “dirty” power plants has remained relatively stable, contributing to persistent CO2 emissions, with some increases observed in countries like China.