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The report identifies heat pumps as an energy-efficient, low-emissions solution for home heating in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region, where over 20 million residents currently lack heating systems. It projects a significant increase in heating demand by 2030 and provides recommendations to overcome barriers to scaling heat pump adoption.

This discussion paper by Ember reviews the development of coal power in China during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) and proposes policy entry points to transition coal power from a primary energy source to a supportive role providing flexibility and backup capacity for a decarbonised grid.

The report analyzes two pathways for China's coal transition: a PEAK-2030 scenario aligned with its INDC and a more ambitious PEAK-2025 scenario. It argues that an early peak is possible through stringent policies in the power, industry, and building sectors, while emphasizing the need to manage socio-economic risks such as stranded assets in the electricity sector and job losses in coal-producing regions. The analysis highlights significant co-benefits for air quality and public health, as well as the potential for reducing methane emissions from coal mining.