A Brief Discussion on the Prospects of Thermal Power Plants in China

In April 2024, the Group of Seven (G7) did sign an agreement, agreeing to shut down all coal-fired power plants by 2035 at the latest. China has also been making efforts towards "dual carbon" (a short form for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality). So, will China follow this agreement? Viti Industries believes it will not. The reasons are as follows:

First, thermal power has always been the main force of power generation in China and has many advantages. It is impossible to be replaced in the short term. At present, thermal power generation accounts for approximately 67% of China's total power generation. Its greatest advantage is stability, which can provide reliable energy security and is rarely interfered with by the natural environment. Unlike hydropower, wind energy, etc., it is highly dependent on the natural environment; Moreover, thermal power has a relatively low cost and is economical. It is especially indispensable in economically underdeveloped and remote areas. In addition, the ash from thermal power plants is also an important industrial raw material used in cement production. Power plants can achieve economic benefits no less than those of selling electricity by utilizing ashes. In conclusion, whether for China or most countries in the world, the demand for energy along with economic development is continuously increasing. Although the development of new energy sources is rapid, it is still far from enough to meet such a huge demand for electricity.

Secondly, at present, China's thermal power generation technology is quite advanced, generating relatively less pollution. Moreover, the technology of thermal power generation is still advancing. Viti Industries is also actively providing stable and feasible fluid control solutions for thermal power stations, enabling them to gradually carry out renovations and upgrades, adopt more environmentally friendly methods, and reduce some carbon emissions. For instance, the advancement of electrical automation technology, the adoption of high-precision equipment and highly intelligent machinery, etc., can all significantly enhance the efficiency of thermal power generation. Meanwhile, the thermal power industry is also actively exploring the integrated development of new energy and renewable energy, and transforming towards a green and low-carbon direction through cogeneration of heat and power, waste heat utilization and other means. Especially the carbon capture technology that thermal power plants are currently developing, which captures carbon dioxide through chemical absorbents for reuse, reducing carbon emissions simultaneously. It's really amazing.

Third, eliminate domestic garbage. This might not have been expected by many people that thermal power generation is currently the main means for China to eliminate garbage. Burning domestic garbage like coal not only solves the garbage problem but also generates electricity, achieving two goals at once. For instance, nearly 10 waste-to-energy plants have been built in Shanghai, China. The waste gas produced by combustion is disinfected and adsorbed by treatment equipment. The electricity generated can meet the daily electricity demand of 30% of the population in Shanghai, comparable to that of traditional power plants.

Carbon emissions are a comprehensive project. Not only coal, but also fuel oil emits carbon dioxide. It is not very reasonable for the G7 countries to only target fossil energy and try to reduce carbon emissions by banning thermal power generation. China is a country rich in coal but short of oil and gas. Generating electricity from coal is a common practice among the vast number of third-world countries. If it is banned, it would not be in line with the rights and obligations stipulated in the Paris Climate Agreement. China has made significant contributions to the dual carbon goals by ranking first in the world in electric vehicles, developing various new energy sources, and conducting large-scale desert greening in recent years.

So, in the foreseeable future, it is impossible for all thermal power stations in China to be completely shut down.