Properly Positioning Coal Power in Decarbonizing the Global Power Systems

Jinze Li , Fang Fang , Yuanye Chen , Songyuan Yu , Jizhen Liu , Yanjun Du , Ming Du , Yi Zhang , Qinghua Wang , Yuguang Niu

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Properly Positioning Coal Power in Decarbonizing the Global Power Systems
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Abstract

Coal-based electricity generation stands as the largest single source of global carbon dioxide emissions. The United Nations Climate Change Conference 28 (COP28) reached a historic consensus by all parties to transition away from fossil energy. On a global scale, a tripling of renewable energy capacity and a doubling of energy efficiency improvements by 2030, while gradually phasing out unabated coal power. As we move toward a decarbonized power system in a just, orderly, and equitable manner, coal power can enhance the integration of renewable energy into the electricity system by providing flexible services such as rapid ramping, cycling, and reliable capacity backup, ensuring the secure and stable operation of the system. Herein, we contribute to clarifying the role of coal power flexibility in the different phases of renewable energy development. By analyzing the metrics and costs of coal flexibility, we find that flexibility retrofitting can improve the regulatory capacity of the power system, reduce carbon emissions, and provide economic benefits for operators. The research findings emphasize that coal flexibility can positively contribute to decarbonization through policy support and technological innovation.

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Keywords

Coal power flexibility / Energy transition / Flexibility option / Flexibility economic

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Jinze Li, Fang Fang, Yuanye Chen, Songyuan Yu, Jizhen Liu, Yanjun Du, Ming Du, Yi Zhang, Qinghua Wang, Yuguang Niu. Properly Positioning Coal Power in Decarbonizing the Global Power Systems. Engineering DOI:10.1016/j.eng.2025.06.019

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