Chinese-Linked Coal Projects Advance Despite 2021 Pledge
A September 2026 report finds coal plants linked to Chinese firms are moving forward in four nations.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Energy
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Chinese-linked coal power projects are continuing development or being revived across Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam. These activities persist despite China's 2021 pledge to stop building new overseas coal power plants.
Why it matters
These developments signify that ongoing and revived coal initiatives are expected to lock in future CO2 emissions and air pollution. The projects involve Chinese companies providing critical equipment and backing for power plant construction.
Multiple facilities have reached operational status, including Banten Suralaya units 9-10 and Weda Bay unit 14, while projects like Ekibastuz-2 units 3-4 have returned to the pre-permit stage. Several Chinese firms, including Lygend Resources and China Shenhua, remain involved in these coal power developments.
The players
Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air
This is an independent research organization that analyzes energy and air quality data to influence policy decisions.
Lygend Resources
This is a company involved in the development of nickel and coal-related energy projects in Indonesia.
China Shenhua
This is a major state-owned energy company with significant investments in coal mining and power generation.
Tsingshan Group
This is a large multinational corporation specializing in stainless steel production and related energy infrastructure.
The details
Chinese companies continue to supply equipment and involvement for these power plants, which are now advancing through various development phases. Although requested for comment, entities such as Tsingshan Group, Huayou Cobalt, China Huadian, Nanshan Group, and Harbin Electric did not respond to inquiries.
Timeline
China pledged to stop building new overseas coal plants in 2021.
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air released its report in September 2026.
The Big Picture
The emergence of these projects follows the formalization of China's 2021 overseas coal pledge. The report indicates a significant gap between initial international commitments and the ongoing expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure by Chinese-linked entities.
The continued reliance on new coal-fired power plants suggests that global carbon emissions and local air quality standards may face long-term challenges. These projects lock in infrastructure that dictates energy outputs for decades, potentially impacting regional environmental sustainability.
The takeaway
The ongoing development of these plants underscores the complexity of transitioning away from fossil fuels in international markets. Observers should track how future project permits evolve to see if these trends persist or reverse.
Further reading
For more information on current shifts in the global power sector, visit the Energy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business & Human Rights.
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