Key facts
- China's government has urged local coal miners to maintain stable production.
- Spot thermal coal prices recently reached a three-year high.
- Coal accounted for 49.7% of China's power generation in the first half of the year.
- China aims for clean energy to comprise 30% of its power generation by 2030.
- Chinese coal imports fell 1.5% in August after significant growth in prior months.
China's government has instructed domestic coal miners to sustain stable production levels following a recent surge in spot thermal coal prices to a three-year high. The move comes as Beijing seeks to manage energy security amid a continued reliance on coal, despite efforts to increase the share of renewable energy in its power mix.
Thermal coal prices recently reached their highest point in three years, prompting government intervention. While China is a global leader in wind and solar installations, aiming for clean energy to constitute 30% of its power generation by 2030 (up from approximately 22% currently), these sources cannot always provide power on demand. Consequently, coal remains vital, accounting for 49.7% of China's power generation in the first half of the year, marking the first time it has fallen below the 50% threshold.
Analysts suggest that while wind and solar are becoming the primary energy sources, coal will continue to grow and serve as a crucial backup for energy security. The number of newly approved coal power plants indicates coal's ongoing importance in China's energy strategy. This reliance, however, makes the country susceptible to price volatility in thermal coal, necessitating government action during such swings.
The recent price increase led to a 1.5% dip in Chinese coal imports in August, following two months of double-digit import growth, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.