CHINA STATE PLANNER and the National Energy Administration issued the 15th
Five‑Year Plan for New Energy System Construction, directing coal-fired power to
pivot toward supporting flexible, peaking and balancing roles. The plan calls
for optimizing coal-power layout and reasonably controlling coal-fired installed
capacity and generation; implementing next‑generation coal plant retrofits to
enhance deep peak regulation and fast‑ramp capabilities; and encouraging
zero-/low‑carbon fuel co‑firing and carbon capture, utilization and storage
(CCUS) to achieve cleaner, lower‑carbon operations. It also directs continued
coal‑unit retirements and life‑extension management, rational planning and
construction of gas‑fired plants, and expanded demonstration and deployment of
domestically produced gas turbines.
