Global coal projects surge to 1,510 despite climate goals

The global coal industry is experiencing a significant expansion despite international climate goals. According to the Global Coal Exit List 2026 published by the NGO Urgewald, the number of active coal projects in the pipeline has risen to 1,510. In 2025, for every coal project that was cancelled or postponed, three new projects were announced, creating a 3:1 ratio of new initiatives to cancellations.

China is a primary driver of this trend, accounting for 70 percent of planned coal-fired power plants worldwide, while India remains a major producer through entities like Coal India. The planned thermal power plants represent a total capacity of 740 GW. Additionally, new mining projects aim to produce 3,271 million tonnes per year, which would constitute 41 percent of current global thermal coal production.

This expansion occurs even as 717 financial institutions utilize Urgewald’s database to monitor and limit their financing within the sector. Regional focus remains high on Turkey and Australia as the industry continues to grow in emerging markets where electricity demand is rising rapidly.