China’s Growing Reliance on Coal-Fired Power
China’s reliance on coal-fired power continues to grow, raising questions about global energy strategies. In The Court of Public Opinion, Jeremy Cordeaux highlighted China’s commitment to coal, stating, “China is responsible for 95% of new coal-fired power station construction last year.”
He pointed out that while China continues to expand its coal power, Australia is pushing for renewable energy.
Cordeaux noted that “China is currently constructing two new coal-fired power stations a week.”
This aggressive expansion contradicts the global narrative pushing for a transition to renewable energy sources. While China benefits from these developments, other countries like Australia are moving away from coal.
Listen Below
Renewable Energy Promises vs. Reality in Australia
Australia has invested heavily in renewable energy, but the promised benefits are not always clear.
Jeremy expressed his frustration with the renewable energy push, stating, “Alinta is running an ad campaign… we are moving to renewables.”
Maybe this transition is driven more by politics than by practical considerations?
Jeremy questioned the logic behind this shift, asking, “Does China have a different atmosphere to ours?”
His comment highlights the inconsistency in global policies where one country continues to use coal while others are discouraged from doing so. The reality is that renewable energy has not yet proven to be the cheaper, more reliable option that Australians were promised.
SOMETHING EXTRA FOR YOU: Dr John Bruni: Ukraine War, Russia, China Espionage, Australian Defence Force + more
Is Australia Being Left Behind?
Australia’s energy strategy has led to higher costs for its citizens while other nations enjoy cheaper power. Jeremy criticised this approach, saying, “The Chinese enjoy our cheap coal, and we can’t.”
He emphasised the need for Australia to rethink its energy policies to remain competitive on the global stage.
Cordeaux argued that Australia’s reliance on renewables has put the country at a disadvantage.
He stated, “Their electricity is the cheapest, ours is the most expensive. Where is the logic?” This comparison shows that while other nations continue to use affordable energy sources, Australians are paying the price for the renewable shift.
What This Means for Electricity Prices
The impact of Australia’s renewable energy focus is most evident in rising electricity prices. Jeremy shared his personal experience, saying, “Alinter, a Chinese company, is now charging me almost $6,000 for what used to be $1,500.”
His statement reflects the frustration many Australians feel as they struggle with increasing energy bills.
Cordeaux believes that returning to coal and gas could help stabilise electricity prices.
He suggested, “We need coal and gas-fired baseload reliable cheap power.” This shift, he argued, would lower living costs for Australians and make the country’s energy market more competitive.
Conclusion
China’s growing use of coal-fired power highlights the contradictions in global energy policies. Jeremy Cordeaux’s insights on The Court of Public Opinion expose the flaws in Australia’s current approach to renewable energy. By reconsidering its energy strategy, Australia could benefit from cheaper, more reliable power sources. The question remains: will the country continue to follow its renewable path or turn back to coal for a more affordable solution?
Join Jeremy Cordeaux for The Court of Public Opinion LIVE every Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., streaming round the dining room table at jeremycordeau.com and via Auscast Radio at auscastnetwork.com.
