At Conference of Parties 30 (COP30), the global shift from coal to clean energy accelerated as South Korea and Bahrain formally became members of the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA).
The PPCA is a coalition of more than 180 governments, companies, and organisations dedicated to phasing out coal power and expanding clean energy.
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This development highlights growing discussions at the event on accelerating the global shift away from fossil fuels.
Korea operates the seventh largest coal fleet in the world, according to the PPCA’s news release.
Although the share of coal generation has declined from 42.5% in 2015 to 30.5% in 2024, the fuel remains a major emissions source for the country.
By joining the PPCA, the Korean government has announced that it will stop building new ‘unabated’ coal power plants and start to phase out the existing ones.
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By GlobalDataOf the country’s 61 existing coal power plants, 40 are set to be phased out by 2040.
The phase-out date for the remaining 21 plants will be determined after public discussion, with a detailed roadmap expected next year.
The PPCA will work with the Korean government to ensure the phase-out is fair, inclusive, and enhances economic growth and energy security.
Korea energy and climate minister Kim Sung-hwan said: “By joining the PPCA, we are demonstrating the Republic of Korea’s commitment to accelerating a just and clean energy transition. Through the alliance, we will kickstart our coal phase-out, as well as help the alliance advance the coal transition worldwide.
“The shift from coal to clean power is not only essential for the climate. It will also help both the Republic of Korea, and all other countries increase our energy security, boost the competitiveness of our businesses, and create thousands of jobs in the industries of the future.”
Korea’s industrial and export-driven economy is expected to benefit as demand for zero-carbon power increases.
UK climate minister and PPCA co-chair Katie White said: “This is a critical point in the global transition away from coal, which is why it’s great to have the Republic of Korea and Bahrain on board with the PPCA – demonstrating true climate leadership.
“By taking this ambitious step, they can reap the rewards that we are seeing from our own clean energy transition, creating new jobs and driving economic growth.”
Bahrain also joined the PPCA, having never operated coal power plants and committing not to build any in the future.
The Bahraini government has pledged to work with other PPCA members to further the global coal-to-clean transition.
Significant progress has reportedly been made on the transition, but further action is needed to keep the Paris Agreement goals within reach.
At COP30, the PPCA unveiled a new plan to accelerate coal transitions, outlining actionable steps to foster consensus on accelerating the move away from fossil fuels.
