Coal phase-out

A quick decarbonisation of the power sector is an important enabler for meeting medium- and long-term climate targets. Given the high carbon-content of coal, phasing it out from power systems is of high priority. At the same time, phasing out coal is a profound structural change and needs to be done in way that takes into account the implications on people and affected regions.

To be in line with their commitment under the Paris Agreement, all countries will have to phase out fossil fuels, including coal. Countries in Europe will be coal free by the early 2030s, primarily because of rising prices on carbon emissions. Agora’s coal-related work in Europe focuses on pragmatic steps to enable the phase-out in a socially balanced way while ensuring security of supply and avoiding a new lock-in into fossil gas.

Coal still plays a significant role in many countries around the globe, including in China, and most of Southeast and East Asian countries. Phasing down coal-fired power plants will require a set of concrete, supportive and cross-sectorial policies that consider its impact on various stakeholders, including for instance the mining sector, utilities, the state budget, workers, and consumers. Working with partners, Agora provides advice and analyses based on best practice examples, international lessons learned, and benefits of a swift transition.