The Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday, May 8, 2026, confirmed that the moratorium on new coal-fired power plants remains in effect, asserting that existing facilities and projects already in development are enough to meet the country's power needs.
Current Policy and Exemptions
In a statement, the DOE clarified that the current policy still exempts projects that obtained Certificates of Non-Coverage before the moratorium was implemented. It also allows coal power projects considered committed for expansion, as well as indicative projects with substantial progress, to apply for non-coverage.
No Reason to Lift Moratorium
Despite concerns over power supply security, the department stated there is currently no compelling reason to suspend or lift the moratorium. “Moreover, coal-fired power plants already under development and expected to come online are projected to provide sufficient capacity to support grid reliability in the near term,” the DOE said.
Renewable Energy as a Priority
The agency emphasized that renewable energy development remains a key component of the government’s long-term energy agenda. “In this context, accelerating the development of renewable energy remains a central pillar of the country’s long-term energy strategy,” the DOE added.
Review of Indicative Coal Projects
The department is reviewing indicative coal projects proposed before the moratorium to assess their viability. “Facilities found to be unreliable may be considered for voluntary retirement, re-purposing, or transition to cleaner energy sources,” it said, adding that “while coal continues to play a role in the current energy mix, its use is being carefully managed.”
Commitment to Balanced Energy Mix
The DOE reiterated its commitment to maintaining a stable and affordable power supply while pursuing a balanced energy mix. “The DOE remains firm in its policy direction and will continue to pursue initiatives that ensure the reliability, affordability, and security of the country’s electricity supply through a balanced energy mix,” it stated.
