Phasing out of coal and decarbonization of the Chinese economy

The reduction of coal in China’s energy portfolio, from 75% in 1995 to 64% in 2015, at the same time as the triple increase in energy consumption, is the most obvious effect of air pollution pressure on the quality of life and of the country’s urban economy, even before the result of China’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.
Over the past two years, the role of coal and, at the same time, renewables and nuclear sources has been defined by two policy papers setting economic growth targets and times and outlining China’s energy strategy in the short term. Energy Action Plan 2014-2020 (SEAP) and 13th Year Plan 2016-2020 (13FYP).