Accelerating net-zero transition: Satellite insight reveals Decarbonization potential of coal-fired power plants

Reducing CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants is a key focus in the decarbonization of the power sector. However, it is challenging to immediately phase out coal in low-income countries or emerging economies in the short term. Therefore, a more targeted approach is needed to transition the power sector towards zero‑carbon emissions. Various coal types and combustion technologies cause differences in the CO2 emission intensity of coal-fired plants, yet the CO2 emission inventories contributed nationally make it difficult to quantify their decarbonization potential due to significant regionally-dependent uncertainty. Here, we effectively address this issue by using satellite-based methods to quantify the real CO2 emission cases of coal-fired power plants. We find that plants using cleaner coal and advanced technology can reduce CO2 emissions by 40 % compared to those relying on more polluting combination for the same net electricity generation and 80 % of these power plants in need of optimizing are from low-income countries or emerging economies. Our results suggest that optimizing coal type and combustion technology in coal-fired power plants could reduce at least 1.9 GtCO2 and avoid $540 billion in early retirement costs per year. This reduction would exceed the target under the Stated Policies Scenario, facilitating a smooth transition to net-zero carbon emissions in low-income countries or emerging economies.