Planned Global Coal Projects Outnumber Cancellations
New coal development continues to outpace project cancellations by a three-to-one margin as of 2025.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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In 2025, 257 new coal projects were planned globally, dwarfing the 76 projects that were shelved or cancelled during the same year. This expansion persists despite growing international pressure to phase out fossil fuel assets.
Why it matters
The vast majority of coal companies lack formal phase-out plans, signaling that reliance on the fuel source remains deeply embedded in global energy strategies. This continued development presents a significant hurdle for international decarbonization efforts.
Developers are currently planning 606 new coal-fired power projects with a total capacity exceeding 740 gigawatts. Additionally, 95 percent of companies on the Global Coal Exit List currently lack any coal phase-out plans.
The players
Cenal Elektrik
This company operates the Cenal power station and has moved forward with plans to add a 1,050-megawatt unit in Çanakkale.
Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change
This government body is responsible for regulating national environmental impacts and approved the expansion of the Afşin-Elbistan coal station.
The details
Chinese firms lead global development, accounting for 70 percent of the total pipeline, while Indian companies represent another 18 percent. In Türkiye, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change recently approved expansions for the Afşin-Elbistan plant, and Cenal Elektrik announced a 1,050-megawatt unit for the Çanakkale facility.
Timeline
2025: 76 coal projects were cancelled and 257 new projects were planned.
June 2026: Cenal Elektrik announced plans for a new power unit.
2035: Target date for Türkiye to reach 25 percent electrification.
Market Landscape
The continued reliance on thermal coal assets clashes with international efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals. This trend suggests a structural preference for traditional energy infrastructure despite the global shift toward cleaner alternatives.
Consumers in regions reliant on coal-fired power may face stable energy prices in the short term as these new projects come online. However, these investments could lead to higher long-term utility costs if nations later impose carbon taxes or regulatory penalties on older coal assets.
The takeaway
The sustained pipeline of coal development indicates that legacy energy systems remain a priority for many developing economies. Policymakers and industry stakeholders face a persistent challenge in aligning infrastructure investment with long-term climate targets.
Further reading
Find more on industry trends in the Oil and Gas section.
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