China plans to shut down 500 odd outdated coal mines in 2017, and lay more emphasis on usage of clean fuel.
The closure will reduce coal capacity in the country by 50 MnT, according to an estimate by the National Energy Administration of the country. However, the capacity cutting target is lower by 80% than the target, at 250 MnT, in 2016.
The mine closure mandate will pose difficulty during this year, as it will involve operational mines rather than dormant mines dealt with last year.
China plans to build more hydro, wind and solar power plants this year.
However, a coal production target of 3.65 BnT is being set for 2017, and that is higher by 5.8% over that in 2016.
The Chinese government plans to reduce the share of coal in the energy mix to 58% by 2020.
Leave a Reply