U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce nearly $700 million in new federal support to bolster coal-fired power and coal exports. After Bloomberg first reported the development, the White House confirmed it and is expected to come on Thursday. Coal production has been declining in the country for nearly 20 years, but now the Trump administration is trying to revive the electricity source. He will use Cold War-era wartime authority under the Defense Prevention Act to dole out support for the waning coal industry. He will reportedly give $425 million to 13 existing coal plants, $75 million for an export terminal in California, and $185 million in grant funding to build two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia and restart a plant in Maryland.&nbsp;It comes a day before World Environment Day on June 5. Coal is a major contributor to pollution, and global efforts are underway to reduce dependency on it as a fuel. However, the Trump administration is a supporter and argues that it is an important source of reliable power. Trump even calls it &nbsp;“clean” and “beautiful.” In fact, he has made reviving and protecting the American coal industry a central pillar of his "energy dominance" agenda in his second term. He claims that it provides a reliable "baseload" power that the electric grid desperately needs and is crucial to protect national security.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-order-making-easier-to-fire-8-000-senior-federal-employees-1780528495794">Trump signs executive order making easier to fire 8,000 senior federal employees</a><h2>Trump's push to promote coal production</h2>Under Trump, the US Energy Department has issued emergency orders pushing coal plants to continue producing power beyond planned closing dates. More federal land for coal leasing has been opened in North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. The President has directed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to enter into agreements to purchase electricity from coal plants for military operations. Environmentalists have slammed Trump's moves, saying the government is using taxpayer money to keep the country reliant on fossil fuels that are known to drive climate change.&nbsp;“Propping up coal billionaires with taxpayer money is one more way for the Trump administration to put polluters first and put the rest of us at risk. The best thing for the air, the climate and our utility bills is to let these plants retire peacefully," Kit Kennedy, managing director for power at the Natural Resources Defence Council, told Financial Post. The announcement is expected to come at 3 pm on Thursday.

 Donald Trump will give $700 million in federal support to empower coal power in the US. The announcement will be made under the  Defense Prevention Act on Thursday. His administration has been criticised for increasing global warming by promoting coal.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce nearly $700 million in new federal support to bolster coal-fired power and coal exports. After Bloomberg first reported the development, the White House confirmed it and is expected to come on Thursday. Coal production has been declining in the country for nearly 20 years, but now the Trump administration is trying to revive the electricity source. He will use Cold War-era wartime authority under the Defense Prevention Act to dole out support for the waning coal industry. He will reportedly give $425 million to 13 existing coal plants, $75 million for an export terminal in California, and $185 million in grant funding to build two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia and restart a plant in Maryland. It comes a day before World Environment Day on June 5. Coal is a major contributor to pollution, and global efforts are underway to reduce dependency on it as a fuel. However, the Trump administration is a supporter and argues that it is an important source of reliable power. Trump even calls it “clean” and “beautiful.” In fact, he has made reviving and protecting the American coal industry a central pillar of his "energy dominance" agenda in his second term. He claims that it provides a reliable "baseload" power that the electric grid desperately needs and is crucial to protect national security. Also Read: Trump signs executive order making easier to fire 8,000 senior federal employees Trump's push to promote coal production Under Trump, the US Energy Department has issued emergency orders pushing coal plants to continue producing power beyond planned closing dates. More federal land for coal leasing has been opened in North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. The President has directed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to enter into agreements to purchase electricity from coal plants for military operations. Environmentalists have slammed Trump's moves, saying the government is using taxpayer money to keep the country reliant on fossil fuels that are known to drive climate change. “Propping up coal billionaires with taxpayer money is one more way for the Trump administration to put polluters first and put the rest of us at risk. The best thing for the air, the climate and our utility bills is to let these plants retire peacefully," Kit Kennedy, managing director for power at the Natural Resources Defence Council, told Financial Post. The announcement is expected to come at 3 pm on Thursday.

&nbsp;Donald Trump will give $700 million in federal support to empower coal power in the US. The announcement will be made under the &nbsp;Defense Prevention Act on Thursday. His administration has been criticised for increasing global warming by promoting coal.

Donald Trump to give $700mn of taxpayer money to boost 'beautiful' coal on eve of World Environment Day

Several Asian nations are increasing the use of coal in order to cover the energy crunch triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran. The development has triggered warnings from climate experts indicating that coal as dirtiest fossil fuel, which has a devastating environmental impact. They also indicated a wake-up call for governments to invest in renewables, which can offer a more stable supply and are less exposed to price hikes.&nbsp;From Bangladesh to South Korea, governments are attempting to offset declining energy imports, much of which traditionally comes from the Middle East. South Korea has postponed the closure of coal-fired power plants and lifted limits on coal-based power generation, while Thailand has increased output at the country’s largest coal-fired plant. Similarly, the Philippines, after declaring a “national energy emergency”, also plans to increase operations of its coal-fired power plants. In South Asia, India, where coal accounts for nearly 75 per cent of electricity generation, has directed plants to operate at full capacity, while Bangladesh has boosted both coal usage and imports. Countries are scrambling to address shortages, especially of liquefied natural gas (LNG), widely seen as a transition fuel. However, supply disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure and strikes on Qatar’s LNG facilities have worsened the crisis. Experts also indicated that a major LNG export facility in Qatar is set to exacerbate the shortage and will have a years-long impact on the industry.<h3>Removal of 30 billion cubic meters of LNG</h3>Henning Gloystein, managing director of energy and resources at Eurasia Group, stated that nearly 30 billion cubic meters of LNG have been discarded from global supply chains, of which over 80 per cent is missing in the Indo-Pacific region. He added that the remaining cargoes that crossed the strait before the conflict spiralled will arrive in the next week. “The global market has flipped within four weeks from quite a healthy supply surplus … into a very severe deficit – and that’s going to not just lead to price spikes, but real fuel shortages.” “Those countries that have coal reserves will be [using] that because it’s the fastest, cheapest way to replace LNG,” he said, adding that countries such as India are also increasing their use of renewable energy. Delhi has fast-tracked approvals for setting up wind power projects and battery energy storage systems. Pauline Heinrichs, a climate and energy expert at King’s College London, said the crisis could serve as a critical turning point for governments. “The impact of coal on climate and health outcomes is devastating and disastrous – and we’ve proven that this is the case for many decades. Not only does it worsen climate risks, of course, but the same goes for pollution and for toxicity,” she said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-doesn-t-have-to-make-a-deal-trump-makes-u-turn-on-peace-talks-says-war-could-end-in-two-to-three-weeks-1775007982329">'Iran doesn’t have to...': Trump makes U-turn on peace talks, says war could end in ‘two to three weeks’</a>&nbsp;

South Korea has postponed the closure of coal-fired power plants and lifted limits on coal-based power generation, while Thailand has increased output at the country’s largest coal-fired plant. 

Several Asian nations are increasing the use of coal in order to cover the energy crunch triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran. The development has triggered warnings from climate experts indicating that coal as dirtiest fossil fuel, which has a devastating environmental impact. They also indicated a wake-up call for governments to invest in renewables, which can offer a more stable supply and are less exposed to price hikes. From Bangladesh to South Korea, governments are attempting to offset declining energy imports, much of which traditionally comes from the Middle East. South Korea has postponed the closure of coal-fired power plants and lifted limits on coal-based power generation, while Thailand has increased output at the country’s largest coal-fired plant. Similarly, the Philippines, after declaring a “national energy emergency”, also plans to increase operations of its coal-fired power plants. In South Asia, India, where coal accounts for nearly 75 per cent of electricity generation, has directed plants to operate at full capacity, while Bangladesh has boosted both coal usage and imports. Countries are scrambling to address shortages, especially of liquefied natural gas (LNG), widely seen as a transition fuel. However, supply disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure and strikes on Qatar’s LNG facilities have worsened the crisis. Experts also indicated that a major LNG export facility in Qatar is set to exacerbate the shortage and will have a years-long impact on the industry. Removal of 30 billion cubic meters of LNG Henning Gloystein, managing director of energy and resources at Eurasia Group, stated that nearly 30 billion cubic meters of LNG have been discarded from global supply chains, of which over 80 per cent is missing in the Indo-Pacific region. He added that the remaining cargoes that crossed the strait before the conflict spiralled will arrive in the next week. “The global market has flipped within four weeks from quite a healthy supply surplus … into a very severe deficit – and that’s going to not just lead to price spikes, but real fuel shortages.” “Those countries that have coal reserves will be [using] that because it’s the fastest, cheapest way to replace LNG,” he said, adding that countries such as India are also increasing their use of renewable energy. Delhi has fast-tracked approvals for setting up wind power projects and battery energy storage systems. Pauline Heinrichs, a climate and energy expert at King’s College London, said the crisis could serve as a critical turning point for governments. “The impact of coal on climate and health outcomes is devastating and disastrous – and we’ve proven that this is the case for many decades. Not only does it worsen climate risks, of course, but the same goes for pollution and for toxicity,” she said. Also read: 'Iran doesn’t have to...': Trump makes U-turn on peace talks, says war could end in ‘two to three weeks’

South Korea has postponed the closure of coal-fired power plants and lifted limits on coal-based power generation, while Thailand has increased output at the country’s largest coal-fired plant.&nbsp;

Asian nations push for 'dirty fuels' to ease energy crisis amid West Asia war

The year 2023 saw a surge in coal power capacity additions globally, marking the highest increase since 2016, with China leading the growth and future planned capacity, revealed a new report released on Thursday (Apr 11).

<h2>Key contributors</h2>

The research by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) shows that the world added a net annual coal capacity of 48.4 GW, a 2 per cent year-over-year increase.&nbsp;

Of this, China alone accounted for approximately two-thirds of the new coal plant capacity. Other countries contributing to this growth via new coal plants included Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Japan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Korea, Greece, and Zimbabwe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/seafood-consumption-linked-to-forever-chemicals-scientists-warn-711272">Seafood consumption linked to ‘forever chemicals’, scientists warn</a>

Countries like the US and UK slowed their rate of plant closures, with only about 22.1 GW retired last year — the smallest amount since 2011.

<h2>Authors recommend shutdown of coal plants</h2>

The authors of the GEM report, as per CNBC, have urged countries to accelerate the shutdown of coal plants and for nations like China to adopt stricter controls on the development and usage of new plants.

Flora Champenois, an analyst at Global Energy Monitor, emphasised the importance of this, stating, "Otherwise we can forget about meeting our goals in the Paris Agreement and reaping the benefits that a swift transition to clean energy will bring."

As per IEA estimates, to limit temperature rises within the key threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius, all global coal generation needs to cease by 2040. This, according to GEM, would require an average of 126 GW in coal plant capacity to be shut down annually for the next 17 years — equivalent to about two coal plants per week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/video-game-smartphone-addiction-in-children-could-lead-to-psychotic-episodes-710343">Video game, smartphone addiction in children could lead to psychotic episodes</a>

<h2>Broken promises</h2>

Despite China's commitment to reach net-zero by 2060 and its pledge to control and phase down coal consumption, the country started construction on 70.2 GW of new coal-power capacity last year, almost 20 times as much as the rest of the world combined. China also only retired about 3.7 GW of its coal capacity in 2023.

However, GEM remains optimistic and said that with "immediate and determined action," China can still meet its climate targets, including a goal set by the National Energy Administration in 2022 to retire 30 GW of coal power by 2025.

While low retirement rates contributed to coal's significant growth in 2023, the report expects these rates to accelerate in the US and Europe, potentially offsetting some new capacity in China.

<h2>The state of renewable energy in 2023</h2>

On the renewable energy front, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that global renewable capacity additions increased by almost 50 per cent to nearly 510 GW in 2023. This, as per the report, is the fastest growth rate in two decades.&nbsp;

China played a significant role in this growth.

"While the increases in renewable capacity in Europe, the United States and Brazil hit all-time highs, China's acceleration was extraordinary," said the report.

The nation commissioned as much solar capacity as the entire world did in 2022 and saw a 66 per cent year-on-year increase in wind additions.

However, despite these renewable energy gains, experts suggest that China's rapid economic growth, combined with the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, has made sure that coal remains a critical fallback energy source.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The year 2023 saw a surge in coal power capacity additions globally, marking the highest increase since 2016, with China leading the growth and future planned capacity, revealed a new report released on Thursday (Apr 11).

The year 2023 saw a surge in coal power capacity additions globally, marking the highest increase since 2016, with China leading the growth and future planned capacity, revealed a new report released on Thursday (Apr 11). Key contributors The research by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) shows that the world added a net annual coal capacity of 48.4 GW, a 2 per cent year-over-year increase. Of this, China alone accounted for approximately two-thirds of the new coal plant capacity. Other countries contributing to this growth via new coal plants included Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Japan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Korea, Greece, and Zimbabwe. Also read | Seafood consumption linked to ‘forever chemicals’, scientists warn Countries like the US and UK slowed their rate of plant closures, with only about 22.1 GW retired last year — the smallest amount since 2011. Authors recommend shutdown of coal plants The authors of the GEM report, as per CNBC, have urged countries to accelerate the shutdown of coal plants and for nations like China to adopt stricter controls on the development and usage of new plants. Flora Champenois, an analyst at Global Energy Monitor, emphasised the importance of this, stating, "Otherwise we can forget about meeting our goals in the Paris Agreement and reaping the benefits that a swift transition to clean energy will bring." As per IEA estimates, to limit temperature rises within the key threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius, all global coal generation needs to cease by 2040. This, according to GEM, would require an average of 126 GW in coal plant capacity to be shut down annually for the next 17 years — equivalent to about two coal plants per week. Also read | Video game, smartphone addiction in children could lead to psychotic episodes Broken promises Despite China's commitment to reach net-zero by 2060 and its pledge to control and phase down coal consumption, the country started construction on 70.2 GW of new coal-power capacity last year, almost 20 times as much as the rest of the world combined. China also only retired about 3.7 GW of its coal capacity in 2023. However, GEM remains optimistic and said that with "immediate and determined action," China can still meet its climate targets, including a goal set by the National Energy Administration in 2022 to retire 30 GW of coal power by 2025. While low retirement rates contributed to coal's significant growth in 2023, the report expects these rates to accelerate in the US and Europe, potentially offsetting some new capacity in China. The state of renewable energy in 2023 On the renewable energy front, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that global renewable capacity additions increased by almost 50 per cent to nearly 510 GW in 2023. This, as per the report, is the fastest growth rate in two decades. China played a significant role in this growth. "While the increases in renewable capacity in Europe, the United States and Brazil hit all-time highs, China's acceleration was extraordinary," said the report. The nation commissioned as much solar capacity as the entire world did in 2022 and saw a 66 per cent year-on-year increase in wind additions. However, despite these renewable energy gains, experts suggest that China's rapid economic growth, combined with the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, has made sure that coal remains a critical fallback energy source. (With inputs from agencies)

2023 saw highest coal power capacity additions since 2016 with China leading the race: Report

Amid fears of gas shortages with Russia curbing capacity, Germany's two houses of Parliament have taken the "painful but necessary" decision to reactivate the country's coal-fired power plants in order to support electricity generation reports the Guardian. This is a major setback to Germany's plans to phase out carbon-intensive coal by 2030. Environmental campaigners argue that this move to use the highly polluting form of energy is a compromise too far, given that the country already rusks missing even the most basic climate targets it had set. Some argue that with&nbsp;Berlin hugely dependent on gas supplies from Russia what can the nation do, but restart the "mothballed" coal power plants.

Watch |&nbsp;Vladimir Putin signs a new decree as Russia takes over the Sakhalin gas project

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/vladimir-putin-signs-a-new-decree-as-russia-takes-over-the-sakhalin-gas-project-493752/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Since the Russian aggression on Ukraine started in February of this year, Gas has become an even more volatile commodity than before.&nbsp;Given the Western sanction on it, Russia is pushing back by reducing the flow of its exports. Germany, which is highly dependent on Moscow's supplies says it had to take this step to restart coal power plants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-european-countries-open-new-pipeline-to-achieve-energy-independence-495629" hreflang="en">Ukraine crisis: European countries open new pipeline to achieve energy independence</a>

By utilising coal to make power instead of gas, which must be saved for a variety of industrial activities, these steps intend to gradually wean Germany off Russian gas and reduce its vulnerability to blackmail. It&nbsp;also aims&nbsp;to keep energy supplies at a steady level before winter.

The government's environmentalist minister of economy, Robert Habeck, referred to the German parliament's action as "painful but necessary."&nbsp;&nbsp;The coalition government's leading&nbsp;Greens also&nbsp;support it, arguing that it is necessary as a short-term crisis management measure.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-vetoes-united-nations-resolution-extending-cross-border-aid-to-syria-495707" hreflang="en">Russia vetoes United Nations resolution extending cross-border aid to Syria</a>

As per the Guardian report business leaders have applauded the action. The Federation of German Industries (BDI) referred to the decision as "better late than never" in a statement.

When the war started, Germany's gas storage tanks were only around one-third filled. After&nbsp;efforts to acquire supplies from other sources, and&nbsp;in spite of cost-cutting measures they on Friday stood at around 63 per cent capacity. However, they are still a long way from the 90 per cent target set for 1 November, which experts say should be enough to get Germany through the winter.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Amid fears of gas shortages with Russia curbing capacity, Germany's two houses of Parliament have taken the "painful but necessary" decision to reactivate the country's coal-fired power plants in order to support electricity generation reports the Guardian.

Amid fears of gas shortages with Russia curbing capacity, Germany's two houses of Parliament have taken the "painful but necessary" decision to reactivate the country's coal-fired power plants in order to support electricity generation reports the Guardian. This is a major setback to Germany's plans to phase out carbon-intensive coal by 2030. Environmental campaigners argue that this move to use the highly polluting form of energy is a compromise too far, given that the country already rusks missing even the most basic climate targets it had set. Some argue that with Berlin hugely dependent on gas supplies from Russia what can the nation do, but restart the "mothballed" coal power plants. Watch | Vladimir Putin signs a new decree as Russia takes over the Sakhalin gas project Since the Russian aggression on Ukraine started in February of this year, Gas has become an even more volatile commodity than before. Given the Western sanction on it, Russia is pushing back by reducing the flow of its exports. Germany, which is highly dependent on Moscow's supplies says it had to take this step to restart coal power plants. Also read | Ukraine crisis: European countries open new pipeline to achieve energy independence By utilising coal to make power instead of gas, which must be saved for a variety of industrial activities, these steps intend to gradually wean Germany off Russian gas and reduce its vulnerability to blackmail. It also aims to keep energy supplies at a steady level before winter. The government's environmentalist minister of economy, Robert Habeck, referred to the German parliament's action as "painful but necessary." The coalition government's leading Greens also support it, arguing that it is necessary as a short-term crisis management measure. Also read | Russia vetoes United Nations resolution extending cross-border aid to Syria As per the Guardian report business leaders have applauded the action. The Federation of German Industries (BDI) referred to the decision as "better late than never" in a statement. When the war started, Germany's gas storage tanks were only around one-third filled. After efforts to acquire supplies from other sources, and in spite of cost-cutting measures they on Friday stood at around 63 per cent capacity. However, they are still a long way from the 90 per cent target set for 1 November, which experts say should be enough to get Germany through the winter. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A compromise too far? As Russia curbs gas flow, Germany restarts its coal power plants to avoid blackmail

Australia's largest coal-fired power plant will shut in 2025 -- several years sooner than planned -- operators announced Thursday, saying the facility is no longer viable given the low cost of renewables.

Origin Energy told investors that the "influx of renewables" was "undermining the economics" of the vast Eraring plant just north of Sydney.

The plant currently includes four 720-megawatt coal-fired generators and one 42 megawatt diesel generator, supplying Australia's most populous state New South Wales with around a quarter of its electricity.

"Today we have signalled the potential to accelerate Eraring's closure to mid-2025," Origin Energy CEO Frank Calabria said, acknowledging the move would be "challenging" for hundreds of staff.

Eraring has been operational for almost 40 years and was due to be decommissioned in 2032.

"The reality is the economics of coal-fired power stations are being put under increasing, unsustainable pressure by cleaner and lower-cost generation, including solar, wind and batteries," he said.&nbsp;

The company has a Aus$240 (US$173) million plan to repurpose the plant and install a large 700-megawatt battery.

Origin is just the latest Australian energy producer to announce the early closure of coal assets, despite the conservative government's insistence on backing new projects.

Australia is one of the world's largest coal producers and the climate polluting fuel is an important source of export revenue.&nbsp;

Several coal mines and plants are also located in fiercely contested electoral seats, meaning both the government and the opposition Labor party have tried to avoid irking coal-backing local voters. &nbsp;

Australia's largest coal-fired power plant will shut in 2025 -- several years sooner than planned -- operators announced Thursday, saying the facility is no longer viable given the low cost of renewables.

Australia's largest coal-fired power plant will shut in 2025 -- several years sooner than planned -- operators announced Thursday, saying the facility is no longer viable given the low cost of renewables. Origin Energy told investors that the "influx of renewables" was "undermining the economics" of the vast Eraring plant just north of Sydney. The plant currently includes four 720-megawatt coal-fired generators and one 42 megawatt diesel generator, supplying Australia's most populous state New South Wales with around a quarter of its electricity. "Today we have signalled the potential to accelerate Eraring's closure to mid-2025," Origin Energy CEO Frank Calabria said, acknowledging the move would be "challenging" for hundreds of staff. Eraring has been operational for almost 40 years and was due to be decommissioned in 2032. "The reality is the economics of coal-fired power stations are being put under increasing, unsustainable pressure by cleaner and lower-cost generation, including solar, wind and batteries," he said. The company has a Aus$240 (US$173) million plan to repurpose the plant and install a large 700-megawatt battery. Origin is just the latest Australian energy producer to announce the early closure of coal assets, despite the conservative government's insistence on backing new projects. Australia is one of the world's largest coal producers and the climate polluting fuel is an important source of export revenue. Several coal mines and plants are also located in fiercely contested electoral seats, meaning both the government and the opposition Labor party have tried to avoid irking coal-backing local voters.

Australia's largest coal-fired power plant to close

coal-power-plant

Coal Power Plant, News on Coal Power Plant, stories on Coal Power Plant, articles on Coal Power Plant, Coal Power Plant stories at Wion, Coal Power Plant news, Coal Power Plant latest news

coal power-plant

Donald Trump to give $700mn of taxpayer money to boost 'beautiful' coal on eve of World Environment Day

Asian nations push for 'dirty fuels' to ease energy crisis amid West Asia war

2023 saw highest coal power capacity additions since 2016 with China leading the race: Report

A compromise too far? As Russia curbs gas flow, Germany restarts its coal power plants to avoid blackmail

Australia's largest coal-fired power plant to close