Despite calls for newer and cleaner energy in China, the provinces of Hubei and Jiangxi are investing more in coal and thermal. They say it's cheaper and more efficient to supply electricity as demand continues to rise.

"Hubei lacks coal and oil. To meet the demand for electricity, we have planned a coal transport channel, that is, a railway line from Inner Mongolia through Hubei to Jiangxi. Currently, we have also planned some thermal power projects," said Xu Yang, Official of Hubei Provincial Development & Reform Commission.

"Jiangxi is at a stage when the electricity demand is increasing rapidly. At this stage, we mainly rely on thermal power. Because we can quickly get a considerable amount of electricity through it," said Wang Feng, Official of Jiangxi Provincial Energy Bureau.

In 2015, Hubei Province approved of six coal energy projects, with a total installed capacity of about eight gigawatts. Its neighbor Jiangxi approved of four, but with a similar installed capacity. They say the projects have created more jobs for local people. And costs were lower due to the slumping price of coal.