Phasing Out Unabated Coal: Current Status and Three Case Studies
Executive Summary
Reducing global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to net zero by 2050 is essential to limit the long-term increase in average global temperatures to 1.5°C. Coal-fired power generation is the largest single source of CO2 emissions today, making tackling emissions from this sector crucial. Numerous countries, regions, and corporations have pledged to phase out coal usage and achieve net-zero targets. This report gathers known national commitments to stop using unabated coal-fired power generation and assesses their impact on reducing emissions. It also analyzes three detailed case studies: Ontario (Canada), the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Overview
- Objective: To reduce global CO2 emissions to net zero by 2050.
- Key Sector: Coal-fired power generation, the largest single source of CO2 emissions.
- Commitments: National and regional pledges to phase out coal usage and reach net-zero targets.
Scope and Structure
- Current State of Coal Phase-Out Pledges: Overview of existing commitments.
- Policies and Measures: Accelerating coal phase-out through various regulatory and financial measures.
- Case Studies: Detailed analysis of coal phase-out in Ontario, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Current State of Coal Phase-Out Pledges
- National Commitments: Countries and regions have pledged to phase out coal usage.
- Impact Assessment: Evaluation of the impact of these pledges on reducing emissions.
Policies and Measures to Accelerate Coal Phase-Out
- Air Pollution Regulation: Regulations aimed at reducing air pollution.
- Restrictions on Public Financing: Limitations on public funding for coal projects.
- Financial Agreements with Power Companies: Financial measures to encourage coal phase-out.
- Carbon Pricing: Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms.
- Emissions Standards: Setting and enforcing emissions standards.
- Supporting Alternative Technologies: Promoting alternative technologies to replace coal.
- Coal and the Just Transition: Ensuring a just transition for affected communities and workers.
- Conversion of Coal Power Plants: Strategies for converting coal plants to alternative technologies.
Case Studies
- Ontario, Canada
- Coal Phase-Out: Closing government-owned coal plants.
- United Kingdom
- Coal Phase-Out: Early decision to phase out coal, driven by historical significance and environmental concerns.
- Germany
- Coal Phase-Out: Complex due to being the largest coal-fired power generator among phase-out commitments and reliance on lignite mining.
- Conversion of Coal Power Plants: Strategies for transitioning coal plants to alternative technologies.
- Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS): Exploration of CCUS technologies.
- Gas Boilers: Transitioning to natural gas boilers.
- Natural Gas Combined-Cycle Plants: Building new natural gas plants.
- Biomass Power Plants: Developing biomass power plants as alternatives.
- Ammonia-Fuelled Power Plant: Exploring ammonia as a fuel for power plants.
- Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs): Considering SMRs as future alternatives.
- Thermal Energy Storage: Utilizing thermal energy storage systems.
Conclusion
Each country must tailor its approach based on specific circumstances, but there are valuable lessons and experiences from other jurisdictions. The case studies provide insights into effective strategies for phasing out coal and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
