the iea suggests that of projected global c energy emissions to are already lockedin through the world s current infrastructure asset base infrastructure assets have long operational lifetimes the estimated average lifetime of a coalfired power station is years about of power plants in service or under construction today are projected to still be in operation in which will mean that the majority of power sector emissions in that year are already locked in unless future policy changes force early retirement of existing plants or their retrofitting with carbon capture and storage ccs