Monitoreo de la generación eléctrica mundial en base a carbón (Mayo 2026)

This report by Global Energy Monitor and various partners analyzes the state of global coal-fired power generation in 2025 and early 2026. It highlights a growing divergence where global coal capacity continues to increase—driven primarily by China and India—while actual generation decreases as renewables displace coal. The document details regional trends, noting that while Latin America has reached a 'No New Coal' status, several countries in the region are experiencing delays in planned plant retirements due to political pressure or energy security concerns.

• In 2025, there was a widening gap between the growth of coal capacity and its actual use; global coal capacity increased by 3.5%, whereas generation decreased by 0.6%.
• China and India are the primary drivers of global coal expansion, accounting for 95% of all coal capacity currently under construction worldwide. In China, new and reactivated projects reached a record 161.7 GW in 2025, with over 500 GW total in development. India has 107.3 GW in pre-construction planning and 23.5 GW under construction, with a government goal to add 100 GW of new capacity over seven years.
• A significant number of coal plants scheduled for retirement in 2025 remained operational, with nearly 70% of global scheduled retirements not occurring. This includes 69% of scheduled retirements in the European Union and 59% in the United States, often attributed to energy security concerns or government interventions.
• The number of countries proposing or building new coal plants is declining, dropping from 75 in 2014 to 32 in 2025. South Korea committed to a gradual phase-out by 2040 in 2025.
• Latin America and the Caribbean achieved 'No New Coal' status in 2025 after Brazil abandoned its last proposed coal plant. However, the region faces inconsistent phase-outs, with 1.5 GW of capacity scheduled for retirement in 2025 remaining in operation by year-end, and over 7 GW scheduled to operate beyond 2040 or lacking a clear retirement date.
• In Brazil, political interventions have extended the life of existing coal plants despite the 'No New Coal' status. Law 15.269/2025 extended mandatory electricity purchases from coal plants, including Candiota 3, until 2040. Additionally, the Jorge Lacerda complex (857 MW) received a 15-year contract extension to 2040. These extensions could lead to total subsidies exceeding 100 billion reais (approx. US$19 billion) by 2040.
• Chile has retired 2.4 GW of coal capacity between 2019 and 2025, but recent updates to its National Decarbonization Plan (October 2025) show 12 units with potential retirement dates as late as 2040. Furthermore, none of the 14 retired units have submitted closure plans to the Environmental Evaluation Service (SEA), leaving infrastructure and waste in local communities.
• The Dominican Republic is the most coal-dependent country in Latin America and the Caribbean, generating 28.7% of its electricity from coal in 2025. While the government plans to retire the Barahona (52 MW) and Itabo (260 MW) plants between 2030 and 2035, the 752 MW Punta Catalina plant has no confirmed retirement date and may operate until 2040 or 2050.

APA

Global Energy Monitor (2026). Monitoreo de la generación eléctrica mundial en base a carbón (Mayo 2026). https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/Boom%20and%20Bust%202026_Spanish%20layout.pdf

Chicago

Global Energy Monitor. Monitoreo de la generación eléctrica mundial en base a carbón (Mayo 2026). 2026. https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/Boom%20and%20Bust%202026_Spanish%20layout.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Global Energy Monitor |title=Monitoreo de la generación eléctrica mundial en base a carbón (Mayo 2026) |date=May 2026 |url=https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/Boom%20and%20Bust%202026_Spanish%20layout.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{globalenergymonitor2026monitoreo, author = {{Global Energy Monitor}}, title = {{Monitoreo de la generación eléctrica mundial en base a carbón (Mayo 2026)}}, institution = {Global Energy Monitor}, year = {2026}, month = may, url = {https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/Boom%20and%20Bust%202026_Spanish%20layout.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }