March 22, 2017 - Reacting to the report, Benjamin Sporton CEO of World Coal Association says:

“Developing energy infrastructure is complex particularly for huge projects like a large coal station. Realistically until a project breaks ground it should not come as huge surprise if plans do not go ahead. Look no further than the woes of the nuclear infrastructure in the UK.

China has been a remarkable example of the role that affordable coal can play in improving access to energy and supporting economic development – the country has achieved universal energy access so has no need for a new coal-station being built every week.

Yes, China, is reducing the number of coal-stations but not because it’s transitioning away from coal, instead the new dynamics is a signal of a more developed economy. Contrary to the picture being portrayed by certain quarters, China’s climate pledge suggests that coal will continue to be central to its energy solutions albeit through efficiencies including the use of new coal technologies.

In India’s case, it’s simply not true that renewables are displacing coal. The IEA has said that India's coal demand will see the biggest growth over next five years with annual average growth rate of 5% by 2021. Due to consumption growth, India cannot afford to neglect affordable energy. The IEA predicts that India and Southeast Asia will be the driving force of demand for coal in the decades to come. For these countries excluding coal from the energy mix is not an option– It is essential for economic growth and critical in securing energy access.”