Global energy-related CO2 emissions grew by 1.1% in 2023, increasing 410 million tonnes (Mt) to reach a new record high of 37.4 billion tonnes(Gt). A new record high, but is there light at the end of the tunnel?
This paper examines a retrofit strategy that converts coal-fired power plants into grid-scale energy storage facilities by integrating molten salt thermal energy storage (TES). Instead of burning coal, the boiler is replaced with an electrically heated molten salt storage system that stores excess electricity from the grid and later generates steam to drive the existing…
The study assesses the potential to convert retired coal plants into nuclear energy sites in the U.S., finding that 80% of evaluated sites are suitable. A case study shows this transition could cut costs by 15-35% and boost local economies by adding jobs and increasing regional economic activity.
This IEA report sets out a roadmap for Indonesia to reach net zero emissions by 2060 or earlier, while supporting economic growth and its ambition to move towards advanced economy status. The report analyses Indonesia’s energy transition across key areas including people-centred transitions, coal phase-down, investment and financing needs, and critical minerals. It also explores…
This paper presents the results of a techno-economic analysis of three repowering cases of a 460 MW supercritical coal-fired unit in Poland.
This IEA report examines how China’s national emissions trading system could support the decarbonisation of the power sector, which is central to the country’s targets of peaking CO₂ emissions before 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality before 2060. The report analyses how an enhanced ETS could guide the electricity sector onto a lower-emissions pathway, while also…
AuthorsK. Zhang; M. Liu; Y. Zhao; H. Yan; J. Yan This paper presents the design and performance evaluation of a thermal energy storage (TES) system integrated into an existing coal-fired power plant. The proposed system stores thermal energy during periods of low electricity demand and releases it to support power generation during peak demand. By…
This report explores the legal and safety dimensions of Poland's emerging strategy to transition from coal-fired power to nuclear energy. It reviews regulatory frameworks, safety standards, and potential hurdles while highlighting the strategic importance of this energy shift for the nation’s climate goals and energy security.
A three-stage strategy to explore the potential of repowering coal power by nuclear energy in China is proposed. Namely, coastal plants followed by inland plants close to the coast and finally inland plants.
The NuScale Power Company published a report advocating the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) to replace coal-fired power plants.
The purpose of this report is to provide information to utilities and other stakeholders for their consideration in transitioning a coal power plant to nuclear power.
How new nuclear power plants can re-energize communities when coal plants close
