China coal group says peak demand imminent as clean power grows

China is rapidly approaching peak coal consumption, but the fossil fuel’s role in helping to address energy security concerns means its use will plateau for some time after that, according to the nation’s top industry association. Coal is being displaced in the power sector thanks to a huge surge in wind and solar additions last year, while the real estate crisis is helping to cool demand from heavy industry, said Zhang Hong, deputy secretary-general of the China National Coal Association. At the same time, the growth of renewables means coal is in demand to help balance out intermittent generation.