The country leads the world in converting old coal mining sites into solar-power projects, according to Global Energy Monitor
China leads the world in converting decommissioned coal-mining sites into solar power projects, a trend that promises to advance the clean energy transition while potentially reducing a surplus of solar panels produced by struggling Chinese manufacturers, according to Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
Conversion of surface-mined lands into solar-generation projects had surged in 15 countries, particularly over the past couple of years, the non-governmental organisation said in a report on Wednesday.
In mainland China – the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal – 90 former coal mines were operating as solar-power facilities, with a total generating capacity of 14 gigawatts (GW), GEM said. An additional 46 projects representing 9GW were in the planning stages, it added.
“Repurposing mines for solar development offers a rare chance to bring together land restoration, local job creation, and clean energy deployment in a single strategy,” said Wu Chengcheng, project manager at GEM and co-author of the report.
