What’s the Situation?
- Our activities have raised CO2 levels in the atmosphere to the highest they have been in at least 14 million years (427.21 parts per million). 14 million years ago, humans did not even exist as a species separate from the great apes
- ~ 40 Empire State Buildings worth of coal (12.8 million tonnes) are going up in smoke every day around the world
We must urgently decarbonise and transform the global energy production system
Why is Coal Problematic?
Coal is the dirtiest of the fossil fuels, with 60 different hazardous air and water pollutants and toxic chemicals. Other negative aspects impacts include; poor human health, greenhouse effect, climate change, and ecosystem degradation. Coal-fired power plants contribute to 1/3 of greenhouse gas emissions. 200 billion tons of CO2 are currently committed from existing coal units if nothing changes
What’s the Opportunity?
$1.5 trillion is invested in coal infrastructure (enough to buy 3,750 Boeing 747 planes). 6000 coal boiler units are in currently in operation, which is 2 TW of capacity. Most plants are only 5-7 years old – plenty of brand-new equipment which will last for decades. Skilled people work at these sites, and governments around the world are committing to decarbonisation
What’s a Solution?
Repowering!
- Switching the heat source from coal to clean technology
- Reuse the infrastructure
- Keep the people, site and permits
- Reduce or eliminate emissions
- No need to strand assets
- Maintain the role the power unit plays in the community
- Valuable existing grid connections available
- District heating potential
Real Repowering projects are happening around the world right now.
Repower Initiative are accelerating the progress to a future beyond coal dependence.
Join our movement! Email us to find how you can get involved