China Three Gorges (中国长江三峡集团)

CTG does not have public, verifiable emissions reduction targets, which is common among the Chinese companies assessed. Without an emissions reduction target, CTG might not decarbonise as much as its low-carbon pathway requires, even though it has a large share of low-carbon electricity generation capacity installed.

CTG aims to become a world-leading, low-carbon electricity provider, yet the lack of a transition plan and weak climate governance may pose a risk to achieving this goal. A large proportion of CTG’s electricity generation capacity is low carbon, which puts it in a relatively strong starting position on its decarbonisation pathway – with which it is already closely aligned. However, the company is steadily increasing coal-fired generation, which is significantly driving up its emissions intensity – that is, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced for every unit of electricity. Therefore, CTG should improve its climate governance and publish a clear transition plan, to ensure the company aligns with its decarbonisation pathway in the future and achieves its low-carbon aims.

CTG has the capacity to generate 96% of its electricity from low-carbon sources such as hydropower, solar and wind. However, it does not currently have an emissions reduction target. Neither has it clearly committed to phasing out coal.

CTG does not have a transition plan in place or a plan to limit its use of coal.

CTG is investing in renewable R&D and is committed to develop renewables. It is also aiming to become a pioneering low-carbon energy provider globally while at the same time increasing the use of coal-fired plants.

CTG has the lowest emissions intensity and the highest share of low-carbon electricity generation capacity of the Chinese companies assessed. Between 2013 and 2018, however, its emissions intensity increased by 63% (40 gCO2e/kWh) because of its growing coal-fired generation.

CTG aims to become a leading global renewable energy provider and is developing a diverse range of low-carbon generation assets to support this ambition. However, it does not appear to have any intention of phasing out coal-fired plants. Therefore, there are inconsistencies between CTG’s plans and actions. A first step to rectifying this would be to establish a public, verifiable emissions reduction target.