Posted on April, 15 2016

Even the most efficient coal plants are not compatible with the global climate goals, a new report shows.

The report from Ecofys concludes that any coal-fired power generation will take the world off course from the internationally agreed target of keeping temperature rise well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Currently, 2,300 new coal plants are planned worldwide. If they are all built, the total emissions from the coal sector in 2030 will be six times what is allowed according to the 1.5degree global warming limit nations agreed to work to in Paris. 

The report discredits claims from the coal industry and governments such as those of Japan, Germany, South Korea, Australia and Poland that efficient coal is compatible with climate action. 

The report uses data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA).