China to shut down coal stations

BEIJING: China would shut down small coal-fired power stations with a total capacity of 13 million kilowatt during 2008 as part of its twin goals to save energy and reduce pollution, the country's top economic planner said.

The 13 million kw target is 30 per cent more than the figure set for last year, the National Development and Reform Commission said, according to official Xinhua news agency.

Stepping up its drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and wind up operations of energy-guzzling small coal-fired power stations, China has closed down 553 thermal power generators in 2007 with 14.38 million kw, 44 per cent above its annual goal.

The State Council, the cabinet, has set a target of closing down 50 million kw of thermal power capacity from 2006 to 2010.

China is the second biggest greenhouse gas emitter after the US but has set ambitious targets to reduce it.