China cancels proposed 3GW coal plant in the Limpopo MM-SEZ
Following the September announcement by China’s Premier Xi Jinping that China would no longer finance new coal power abroad, we wondered about the implications of that announcement for the giant, very dirty 3GW coal-fired power plant proposed for the China-financed Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone.
We wrote to the Chinese embassy asking for clarification.
Somewhat to our surprise, they replied – and confirmed that China’s end-to-overseas-coal-funding policy applies now in South Africa.
Our full press release on the matter is here. Our correspondence with the Embassy can be read here.
UPDATE 19 November: We've had some media coverage for this announcement.
19 November 2021: Mail & Guardian: "China won’t fund coal power for Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone, ambassador confirms"
19 November 2021: The South African: "China pulls out of building a ‘mega power plant’ in Limpopo"
19 November 2021: Engineering News: "China withdraws funding from Limpopo 3 GW SEZ power project"
21 November 2021: MiningMx: "China’s SA ambassador confirms no investment in Limpopo coal project"
