Global new coal plant pipeline keeps shrinking
By Bob Burton on 22 March 2018
Number of coal plants in permitting and planning process fell another 22% in 2017 – a 59% fall over the last two years.
Articles by Bob Burton
South32’s shift away from thermal coal puts BHP to shame
By Bob Burton on 26 February 2018
Where South32 has moved to divest from thermal coal, BHP is increasing its exposure – and undermining its climate credentials.
BHP may dump global group, but looks to forgive Australian coal lobby
By Bob Burton on 20 December 2017
BHP flags cutting ties with international coal lobby groups, but appears more forgiving of Minerals Council, other Australian organisations.
Coal versus cricket in India
By Bob Burton on 8 December 2017
Will the interruption of a New Delhi cricket match by toxic smog finally spur the Indian government to take coal pollution seriously?
Rejected teenagers: the trend of closing young coal plants
By Bob Burton on 2 November 2017
It’s not just old coal power plants that are being closed down. In Italy, the US, and the Netherlands, coal plants that are barely teenagers are being targeted for closure.
US plan to defibrillate failing coal plants is part of a global trend
By Bob Burton on 5 October 2017
Rick Perry’s plan to require increased payments to some coal plants is part of a global trend as the coal lobby desperately tries to rescue failing coal plants.
What’s next for Minerals Council’s coal and climate policy?
By Bob Burton on 25 September 2017
The abrupt and unexpected departure of the Minerals Council of Australia’s CEO, Brendan Pearson, may well be a crucial tipping point in Australia’s debate over domestic energy policy.
BHP under pressure to dump pro-coal lobby groups over climate policy
By Bob Burton on 20 September 2017
A shareholder resolution highlighting the chasm between BHP’s stated climate policy and the pro-coal advocacy of its mining industry lobby has pushed the company to commit to reconsidering its membership of the hardline Minerals Council of Australia.
Indian Auditor-General finds public banks have US$1.8bn at risk on dud coal plants
By Bob Burton on 31 August 2017
Two of India’s leading public sector banks at risk of losing a “significant proportion” of US$7.4 billion loaned over three years to private power producers
By train or by ship, transporting coal causes trouble
By Bob Burton on 21 August 2017
Derailment of 30 coal wagons is just latest in long list of coal transport accidents which highlight risks from shipping fossil fuels long distances to markets.
BHP gives World Coal Association the cold shoulder – but it’s no climate saint
BHP axes membership with global coal lobby group, citing “material difference” over its climate advocacy. But is this hypocrisy?