$1tn could be wasted on 'unneeded' new coal plants, report warns

Investment in 1,500 new coal plants around the world could be wasted if action on climate change and pollution prevent them from being used

Almost $1tn of investment in new coal-fired power stations could be wasted if growing concerns about climate change and air pollution leave the plants unused, according to a new report.

About 1,500 new coal plants are in construction or planning stages around the world but electricity generation from the fossil fuel has fallen in recent years, the detailed report from the Sierra Club, Greenpeace and CoalSwarm found. In China, existing plants are now used just 50% of the time, coal use is falling and new permits and construction have been halted in half of the nation's provinces, affecting about 250 plants.