New report from Repower Initiative maps the global development of coal-to-clean transitions
The Global State of Repowering introduces first site-by-site register evaluating the reuse of global coal plant
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The Global State of Repowering introduces first site-by-site register evaluating the reuse of global coal plant infrastructure against a new, robust standard, outlining how the transition pathway can offer significant capital savings and grid advantages.
LONDON, Oct. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new report from the Repower Initiative reveals the scope of the coal-to-clean transition around the world, highlighting the work underway as existing coal-fired power plants are actively transformed into clean energy hubs. Published today, The Global State of Repowering report introduces the first comprehensive, site-by-site global register of repowering projects measured against a new, robust, uniform standard. Supported by philanthropic funding, including grants from Founders Pledge and HSBC, the register assesses projects against a defined methodology designed to distinguish full replacement of the heat-source from partial interventions.
Today, more than 6,500 coal-fired power units around the world account for approximately 29% of global CO₂ emissions. If operated for their full lifespans, they could emit 330 billion tonnes of CO₂—almost twice the remaining global carbon budget. The report argues that this infrastructure should not be viewed solely as a liability, but also as one of the largest concentrations of reusable capital in the energy system.
Repowering involves replacing a coal plant’s boiler with a lower-carbon heat source—such as nuclear, geothermal, or concentrated solar power—while retaining suitable elements of the existing power block, grid connections, and workforce. This approach could reduce financial pressure and accelerate the clean power transition, delivering power-block capital savings of up to 35% compared to the construction of a greenfield nuclear facility. Crucially, repowering also provides substantial environmental co-benefits: by keeping development on pre-zoned industrial brownfields, repowering preserves untouched land while reducing local air pollution and the toxic threat of coal-ash spills.
Key findings
- A nuclear-dominated global pipeline: Across thousands of operating units surveyed in the global coal fleet, four projects currently qualify as true repowering: Bull Run (in development) and Belews Creek in the U.S., Poland’s second large nuclear project (Bełchatów or Konin), and Wanakbori in India (all under consideration). Every qualifying project deploys conventional, advanced, or fusion nuclear technology (when viable). One additional site is awaiting data verification.
- China currently leads the “repower-ready” transition: Seven Chinese coal plants have integrated thermal energy storage (TES) between the furnace and steam cycle, and an eighth is under construction. While still coal-fired, decoupling heat from power delivers immediate grid flexibility and makes future clean heat conversion easier.
- Several global projects demonstrate intermediate transition pathways: Beyond the qualifying four, another 10 have or plan to partially or fully substitute coal (including five full biomass conversions), while others capture vital grid connections and consents on retired coal sites without rebuilding from scratch.
“Rapid, pure-play retirement of coal assets is challenging because it threatens our ability to meet rising electricity demand and risks devastating local economies,” said Bogi Højgaard, chief executive officer of Repower Initiative. “Repowering offers a more practical transition route. It leverages existing grid connections, reuses local supply chains and workforces, and provides the clean firm power needed for grid resilience.”
“Rather than approaching decarbonisation as an all-or-nothing leap, China’s power sector is demonstrating the value of a phased roadmap,” said Qian Wu, China director for Repower Initiative. “Thermal storage adds flexibility to the grid and creates new pathways for zero-carbon power plant transitions without stranding critical infrastructure.”
“As renewable energy markets continue to mature, there is growing interest in how existing assets can be used to support the transition through repowering,” said Randolph Brazier, Global Head of Clean Power Systems at HSBC. “This report highlights repowering as both a technical enhancement and a potential strategic opportunity, providing useful insights for investors and policymakers as they seek to support the energy transition. We’re pleased to support research that contributes to the ongoing development of clean energy.”
The report’s data enables a major update to RepowerScore, an assessment tool evaluating the technical, environmental, and socio-economic viability of repowering coal plants worldwide.
Access the full Global State of Repowering report at:
https://www.repower.world/reports/the-global-state-of-repowering-2026
The report’s full methodology and details about every plant analysed are available for download at RepowerScore.org.
About Repower Initiative
Repower Initiative is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to reframing coal power plants as opportunities for tackling climate change. Through rigorous research, data platforms like RepowerScore, and stakeholder collaboration, Repower works to help accelerate the clean energy transition by reusing existing energy infrastructure.
Media Contact
Michael Ethan Gold
Director of Outreach & Development, Repower Initiative
michael@repower.world
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