Australia’s big four banks to stop lending to thermal coal mining and coal-fired power plants
The Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, and National Australia Bank are closing their books on fossil fuel financing in response to shareholder pressure.
No coal
Sri Lanka pledges no new coal, makes push into rooftop solar
In its latest climate plan, Sri Lanka is ruling out new coal power and aiming to reach 70 percent clean electricity by 2030.
New York State pension fund divests from more coal
New York’s State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced further divestment of coal assets today from one of the nation’s largest pension funds – shedding remaining investments in New Hope, PT Indo Tambangraya Megah Tbk, Semirara Mining and Power, Shanxi Coking Coal Energy Group. and Whitehaven Coal.
Canadian government blocks development of controversial proposed Alberta coal mine
Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said the project would have likely caused harm to surface water quality, to threatened species, and to the physical and cultural heritage of the Kainai, Piikani and Siksika First Nations.
Biggest China bank abandons $3 billion Zimbabwe coal plan
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. told Go Clean ICBC that it won’t fund the 2,800-megawatt Sengwa coal project in northern Zimbabwe.
South Korea’s three major insurers say will stop underwriting new coal power
The confirmation follows pressure from a network of civic groups named Korea Beyond Coal, which has advocated for a complete coal phase-out in Korea by 2030.
The U.S.’s annual coal consumption in 2020 was lowest since 1965
In the US, coal power plants experienced the country’s lowest annual coal consumption since 1965, and the fossil fuel is expected to reach levels last seen in the 19th century in coming years, reports Bloomberg.
Poland clinches ‘historic’ deal to phase out coal by 2049
The country depends on coal for around 70% of its energy needs, although it is planning to reduce this to 11% by 2040.
U.S.’s largest coal miners’ union voices support for a transition to renewables
United Mine Workers of America has announced that it would support a transition to renewable energy sources provided that union members were given opportunities for well-paying jobs in the new solar, wind, and hydropower sectors.
Ireland to replace last coal plant with massive green energy hub
The Republic of Ireland is set to say goodbye to coal, after the state-owned Electricity Supply Board announced it would transform its last remaining coal generation, the 915MW Moneypoint facility, into a green energy hub, including a 1.4GW floating offshore wind farm.