China's Belt & Road Initiative coal power cooperation: Transitioning toward low-carbon development

Abstract

Energy cooperation is a major part of China's Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). In particular, power generation projects play a significant role, especially coal power projects. In spite of its substantial impacts on China and the world, research on the BRI coal power projects is scarce. To provide a better picture of the BRI coal power cooperation, we analyze the evolutions, rationales, challenges, and prospects. Our finding reveals that the BRI coal power projects generate opportunity for the BRI participants, as coal energy can render electricity generation more efficient in these countries, mostly from developing world, with larger and cleaner plants, providing flexibility for greater integration of renewables. However, given sustainability concerns regarding coal power, our article suggests that the transition toward low-carbon energy systems should be pursued in the long-term with more focus on promoting innovations in energy efficiency, energy storage, and cleaner energies like gas, wind, and solar.