What Will China Do to Low-Carbonize Coal Power

Hi,

Here comes the Action Plan for Low-Carbon Transformation and Construction of Coal Power Generation (2024 - 2027) (煤电低碳化改造建设行动方案（2024—2027 年）) I promised to send to you. (Please see my previous explanation about coal power’s role in China’s green transformation of the energy sector.)

I would like to highlight some key points first and put the full translation after.

1. The goals:

By 2027, the carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour of related projects will be reduced by about 50% compared to the average carbon emission level of similar coal power units in 2023, approaching the carbon emission level of natural gas power generation units.

2. Transformation Methods

(1) Biomass Co-Firing. Utilize biomass resources such as agricultural and forestry wastes, psammophytes, and energy plants.

(2) Green Ammonia Co-Firing. Utilize surplus electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar power to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis of water and synthesize green ammonia, and implement the co-firing of green ammonia in coal power units to replace part of the coal.

(3) Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage. Adopt technologies such as chemical methods, adsorption methods, and membrane methods to separate and capture carbon dioxide in the flue gas of coal boilers, and realize the regeneration and purification and compression of carbon dioxide through methods such as pressure and temperature adjustment. Promote and apply geological utilization technologies such as efficient carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and chemical utilization technologies such as hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol. Implement carbon dioxide geological storage based on local conditions.

Ok, the following is the translation of the full text:

Action Plan for Low-Carbon Transformation and Construction of coal Power Generation (2024 - 2027)

煤电低碳化改造建设行动方案（2024—2027 年）

In order to fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, conscientiously implement the decision-making and deployment of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, promote the low-carbon transformation of existing coal power units and the low-carbon construction of new coal power units in a coordinated manner, improve the clean and efficient utilization level of coal, accelerate the construction of a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient new energy system, and contribute to achieving the goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, this action plan is formulated.

为全面贯彻党的二十大精神，认真落实党中央、国务院决策部署，统筹推进存量煤电机组低碳化改造和新上煤电机组低碳化建设，提升煤炭清洁高效利用水平，加快构建清洁低碳安全高效的新型能源体系，助力实现碳达峰碳中和目标，制定本行动方案。

I. Main Goals 主要目标

By 2025, all the first batch of low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power generation will have started, and a number of low-carbon power generation technologies for coal power will be transformed and applied; the carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour of related projects will be reduced by about 20% compared to the average carbon emission level of similar coal power units in 2023, significantly lower than the carbon emission level of existing advanced coal power units, providing useful experience for the exploration of the clean and low-carbon transformation of coal power.

到 2025 年，首批煤电低碳化改造建设项目全部开工，转化应用一批煤电低碳发电技术；相关项目度电碳排放较2023 年同类煤电机组平均碳排放水平降低 20%左右、显著低于现役先进煤电机组碳排放水平，为煤电清洁低碳转型探索有益经验。

By 2027, the technical routes for low-carbon power generation of coal power will be further broadened, and the construction and operation costs will be significantly reduced; the carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour of related projects will be reduced by about 50% compared to the average carbon emission level of similar coal power units in 2023, approaching the carbon emission level of natural gas power generation units, forming a strong leading and driving role for the clean and low-carbon transformation of coal power.

到 2027 年，煤电低碳发电技术路线进一步拓宽，建造和运行成本显著下降；相关项目度电碳排放较2023 年同类煤电机组平均碳排放水平降低 50%左右、接近天然气发电机组碳排放水平，对煤电清洁低碳转型形成较强的引领带动作用。

II. Transformation and Construction Methods 改造和建设方式

(1) Biomass Co-Firing. Utilize biomass resources such as agricultural and forestry wastes, psammophytes, and energy plants. Comprehensively consider factors such as the supply of biomass resources, the operational safety requirements of coal power units, the need for flexible adjustment, the guarantee of operational efficiency, and economic feasibility to implement the coupling of coal power units with biomass power generation. After the transformation and construction, coal power units should have the ability to co-fire more than 10% of biomass fuel, and the consumption of coal and the level of carbon emissions will be significantly reduced.

生物质掺烧。利用农林废弃物、沙生植物、能源植物等生物质资源，综合考虑生物质资源供应、煤电机组运行安全要求、灵活性调节需要、运行效率保障和经济可行性等因素，实施煤电机组耦合生物质发电。改造建设后煤电机组应具备掺烧10%以上生物质燃料能力，燃煤消耗和碳排放水平显著降低。

(2) Green Ammonia Co-Firing. Utilize surplus electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar power to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis of water and synthesize green ammonia, and implement the co-firing of green ammonia in coal power units to replace part of the coal. After the transformation and construction, coal power units should have the ability to co-fire more than 10% of green ammonia, and the consumption of coal and the level of carbon emissions will be significantly reduced.

绿氨掺烧。利用风电、太阳能发电等可再生能源富余电力，通过电解水制绿氢并合成绿氨，实施燃煤机组掺烧绿氨发电，替代部分燃煤。改造建设后煤电机组应具备掺烧10%以上绿氨能力，燃煤消耗和碳排放水平显著降低。

(3) Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage. Adopt technologies such as chemical methods, adsorption methods, and membrane methods to separate and capture carbon dioxide in the flue gas of coal boilers, and realize the regeneration and purification and compression of carbon dioxide through methods such as pressure and temperature adjustment. Promote and apply geological utilization technologies such as efficient carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and chemical utilization technologies such as hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol. Implement carbon dioxide geological storage based on local conditions.

碳捕集利用与封存。采用化学法、吸附法、膜法等技术，分离捕集燃煤锅炉烟气中的二氧化碳，通过压力、温度调节等方式实现二氧化碳再生并提纯压缩。推广应用二氧化碳高效驱油等地质利用技术、二氧化碳加氢制甲醇等化工利用技术。因地制宜实施二氧化碳地质封存。

III. Requirements for Modification and Construction 改造和建设要求

(1) Project Layout. Give priority to supporting the implementation of low-carbon transformation and construction of coal power generation in regions rich in renewable energy resources, with a good economic foundation, and suitable geological conditions. Implement biomass co-firing projects based on local conditions, and the location should have long-term, stable and accessible biomass resources such as agricultural and forestry wastes, psammophytes, and energy plants. For projects implementing green ammonia co-firing, the location should have a reliable source of green ammonia and abundant renewable energy resources to meet the needs of green ammonia preparation. For projects implementing carbon capture, utilization and storage, the location and surrounding areas should have scenarios for the resource utilization of carbon dioxide or have long-term and stable geological storage conditions.

项目布局。优先支持在可再生能源资源富集、经济基础较好、地质条件适宜的地区实施煤电低碳化改造建设。因地制宜实施生物质掺烧项目，所在地应具备长期稳定可获得的农林废弃物、沙生植物、能源植物等生物质资源。实施绿氨掺烧的项目，所在地应具备可靠的绿氨来源，并具有丰富的可再生能源资源以满足绿氨制备需要。实施碳捕集利用与封存的项目，所在地及周边应具备二氧化碳资源化利用场景，或具有长期稳定地质封存条件。

(2) Unit Conditions. coal power units undergoing low-carbon transformation and construction should meet basic conditions such as a long expected remaining service life and good comprehensive economic performance. New coal power units must be construction projects that have been included in the national plan. Give priority to supporting transformation and construction projects that couple multiple low-carbon power generation technology routes for coal power. Encourage coal power units that have implemented low-carbon transformation and construction to further reduce the carbon emission level. Encourage units undertaking technical research tasks such as thermal power decoupling in coal power and flexible and coordinated power generation, and safe and efficient deep peak shaving of coal power to implement low-carbon transformation. Encourage "two joint operations" of coal and coal power, and coal power and renewable energy, and coal power projects supporting large-scale wind power and photovoltaic bases in deserts and barren areas to take the lead in implementing green ammonia co-firing demonstrations. Low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power should strictly implement environmental management systems to ensure that all types of pollutants meet discharge standards. The ammonia storage facilities of green ammonia co-firing projects should, in principle, be built outside the plant area of coal power units, and the project implementation units should further clarify and strictly implement specific management requirements.

机组条件。实施低碳化改造建设的煤电机组应满足预期剩余使用寿命长、综合经济性好等基本条件，新上煤电机组须为已纳入国家规划内建设项目。优先支持采用多种煤电低碳发电技术路线耦合的改造建设项目。鼓励已实施低碳化改造建设的煤电机组进一步降低碳排放水平。鼓励承担煤电工业热电解耦及灵活协同发 电、煤电安全高效深度调峰等技术攻关任务的机组实施低碳化改造。鼓励煤炭与煤电联营、煤电与可再生能源联营“两个联营”和沙漠、戈壁、荒漠地区大型风电光伏基地配套煤电项目率先实施绿氨掺烧示范。煤电低碳化改造建设项目应严格执行环境管理制度，确保各类污染物达标排放。绿氨掺烧项目氨存储设施原则上应建于煤电机组厂区外，项目实施单位应进一步明确并严格执行具体管理要求。

(3) Carbon Reduction Effect. The carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour of low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power completed and put into production in 2025 should be significantly lower than the level before their own transformation or significantly better than the advanced level in service, and be reduced by about 20% compared to the average carbon emission level of similar coal power units in 2023. Through continuous transformation and improvement, the carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour of low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power completed and put into production in 2027 should be reduced by about 50% compared to the average carbon emission level of similar coal power units in 2023, approaching the carbon emission level of natural gas power generation units. Under the same conditions, give priority to supporting projects with lower carbon emissions per kilowatt-hour and better technical and economic performance. Units included in the national list of low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power should comprehensively sort out the relevant standards related to engineering design, construction, operation and carbon reduction, and promote the update of standards and fill the standard gaps relying on project construction.

降碳效果。2025 年建成投产的煤电低碳化改造建设项目，度电碳排放应显著低于自身改造前水平或显著优于现役先进水平，并较 2023 年同类煤电机组平均碳排放水平降低20%左右。通过持续改造提升，2027 年建成投产的煤电低碳化改造建设项目，度电碳排放应较 2023 年同类煤电机组平均碳排放水平降低50%左右、接近天然气发电机组碳排放水平。同等条件下，优先支持度电碳排放更低、技术经济性更好的项目。纳入国家煤电低碳化改造建设项目清单的机组，要全面梳理工程设计、建设、运行及降碳相关标准，依托项目建设推动标准更新、弥补标准空白。

IV. Guarantee Measures 保障措施

(1) Increase Financial Support. Give full play to the amplification and leading effect of government investment, and use funding channels such as ultra-long-term special treasury bonds to support eligible low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power. Relevant projects will be selected and included in the green and low-carbon advanced technology demonstration projects. Project construction units should coordinate and use well of relevant funds, increase investment, and strengthen the financial guarantee for project construction, operation and maintenance. Encourage all regions to formulate support policies based on local conditions and increase investment subsidies for low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power.

加大资金支持力度。发挥政府投资放大带动效应，利用超长期特别国债等资金渠道对符合条件的煤电低碳化改造建设项目予以支持。相关项目择优纳入绿色低碳先进技术示范工程。项目建设单位要统筹用好相关资金，加大投入力度，强化项目建设、运行、维护等资金保障。鼓励各地区因地制宜制定支持政策，加大对 煤电低碳化改造建设项目的投资补助力度。

(2) Strengthen Policy Support and Guarantee. For projects included in the national list of low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power, on the basis of coordinating the comprehensive operating costs, the actual carbon reduction effect and various market revenues, explore the establishment of a sharing mechanism jointly borne by the government, enterprises and users, and give phased support policies. Encourage eligible projects to raise funds through channels such as issuing real estate investment trust funds (REITs) in the infrastructure field, green bonds or applying for green credit, scientific and technological innovation and technological transformation re-loans, and attract various investment entities to participate in and support the low-carbon transformation and construction of coal power.

强化政策支撑保障。对纳入国家煤电低碳化改造建设项目清单的项目，在统筹综合运营成本、实际降碳效果和各类市场收益的基础上，探索建立由政府、企业、用户三方共担的分摊机制，给予阶段性支持政策。鼓励符合条件的项目通过发行基础设施领域不动产投资信托基金（REITs）、绿色债券或申请绿色信贷、科技创新和技术改造再贷款等渠道融资，吸引各类投资主体参与和支持煤电低碳化改造建设。

(3) Optimize Grid Operation and Dispatching. Research and formulate the accounting method for carbon emission reduction of low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power. Promote the separate metering of part of the electricity generated by co-firing biomass/green ammonia and installing carbon capture, utilization and storage facilities. Grid enterprises should optimize the power operation and dispatching plan, give priority to supporting the access of low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power with outstanding carbon emission reduction effects to the grid, and give priority to the access of renewable energy power or zero-carbon power of the projects to the grid.

优化电网运行调度。研究制定煤电低碳化改造建设项目碳减排量核算方法。推动对掺烧生物质/绿氨发电、加装碳捕集利用与封存设施部分电量予以单独计量。电网企业要优化电力运行调度方案，优先支持碳减排效果突出的煤电低碳化改造建设项目接入电网，对项目的可再生能源发电量或零碳发电量予以优先上网。

(4) Strengthen Technological Innovation and Application. Coordinate innovation resources such as scientific research institutes, industry associations, and leading enterprises, and accelerate the research and development of key technologies for low-carbon power generation of coal power. Strengthen the technological research on co-firing biomass in coal power, low-cost green ammonia preparation, high proportion co-firing of crop straw, etc., accelerate the technological research on carbon dioxide capture and consumption reduction in coal power flue gas, absorbent loss reduction, mass transfer performance improvement of large tower internals, coordination of capture - power generation systems, and control process optimization, and fill the technological shortcomings such as carbon dioxide resource utilization, saline aquifer storage, and industrial integration and coupling.

加强技术创新应用。统筹科研院所、行业协会、骨干企业等创新资源，加快煤电低碳发电关键技术研发。加强煤电掺烧生物质、低成本绿氨制备、高比例掺烧农作物秸秆等技术攻关，加快煤电烟气二氧化碳捕集降耗、吸收剂减损、大型塔内件传质性能提升、捕集—发电系统协同、控制流程优化等技术研发，补齐二氧化碳资源化利用、咸水层封存、产业集成耦合等技术短板。

V. Organization and Implementation 组织实施

(1) Project Organization. The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration organize all regions and relevant centrally-administered state-owned enterprises to declare and implement low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power, organize reviews in accordance with procedures and determine the list of national low-carbon transformation and construction projects of coal power. Provincial development and reform departments, energy authorities, and headquarters of centrally-administered state-owned enterprises should organize project units to prepare the implementation plans and project declaration materials for low-carbon transformation and construction of coal power, strictly review and check the authenticity, completeness and compliance of relevant materials and submit them to the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration. Provincial development and reform departments and energy authorities should play an organizational and coordinating role, guide project units to complete project approval (approval, filing), environmental impact assessment, and organize energy conservation review and carbon emission assessment. Projects of centrally-administered state-owned enterprises and their holding subsidiaries are declared by the headquarters of centrally-administered state-owned enterprises, and other projects are declared by provincial development and reform departments and energy authorities where they are located.

项目组织。国家发展改革委、国家能源局组织各地区和有关中央企业申报实施煤电低碳化改造建设项目，按程序组织评审 并确定国家煤电低碳化改造建设项目清单。省级发展改革部门、能源主管部门、中央企业总部要组织项目单位编制煤电低碳化改造建设实施方案和项目申报材料，对相关材料的真实性、完整性、合规性进行严格审核把关后报送国家发展改革委、国家能源局。省级发展改革部门、能源主管部门要发挥组织协调作用，指导项目单位做好项目审批（核准、备案）、环境影响评价，并组织开展节能审查和碳排放评价。中央企业及其控股子公司项目由中央企业总部申报，其他项目由所在地省级发展改革部门、能源主管部门申报。

(2) Project Implementation. Provincial development and reform departments and energy authorities where the project is located should work with relevant departments to strengthen the guarantee of factors such as raw material and fuel supply, land use and energy use for project construction, strengthen guidance and support and supervision and management, ensure that the project starts and is completed and put into production on time, and guide energy authorities of each city to strengthen the safety control of project construction and operation. The headquarters of centrally-administered state-owned enterprises are responsible for the management of projects within the system, guide and urge project units to do a good job in all aspects of project construction, ensure the progress of project construction, and ensure the quality and safety of the project. The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration, in conjunction with relevant departments, will carry out evaluation and inspection of the project implementation situation. For units that fail to achieve the carbon reduction goal, engage in fraud, cheat policy support and have work safety accidents, once verified, the responsibilities of relevant personnel will be investigated in accordance with laws and regulations, and the excess electricity price subsidy will be deducted and recovered depending on the severity of the circumstances.

项目实施。项目所在地省级发展改革部门、能源主管部门要会同有关部门加强对项目建设的原料燃料供应和用地用能等要素保障，强化指导支持和监督管理，确保项目按时开工和建成投产，指导各地市能源主管部门加强项目施工和运行安全管控。中央企业总部负责对本系统内项目实施管理，指导和督促项目单位认真做好工程建设各项工作，保障工程建设进度，确保工程质量和安全。国家发展改革委、国家能源局会同有关部门对项目实施情况开展评估检查，对未达到降碳目标、弄虚作假、骗取政策支持及发生安全生产事故的单位，一经查实，依法依规追究相关人员责任，并视情节轻重扣减追回超发电价补贴。

(3) Promotion and Publicity. Provincial development and reform departments and energy authorities should promptly follow up on the project construction and operation situation, strengthen the promotion and application of low-carbon power generation technologies of coal power with excellent technical and economic performance and significant carbon reduction effects, and regularly report the relevant situation to the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration. The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration, in conjunction with relevant departments, will verify the situation reported by local authorities. For those with promotion value, they will be publicized and promoted in major domestic and international occasions in a timely manner, and included in the industrial structure adjustment guidance directory, green and low-carbon transformation industry guidance directory, and green technology promotion directory in a timely manner.

宣传推广。省级发展改革部门、能源主管部门要及时跟进项目建设及运行情况，强化技术经济性优异、降碳效果显著的煤电低碳发电技术推广应用，有关情况定期报送国家发展改革委、国家能源局。国家发展改革委、国家能源局会同有关部门对地方报送情况进行核验，确有推广价值的，及时通过国内外重大场合予以宣传推介，并适时纳入产业结构调整指导目录、绿色低碳转型产业指导目录、绿色技术推广目录等。

The link of the full text in Chinese: https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xwdt/tzgg/202407/P020240715559357737744.pdf