In dramatic contrast, the world’s largest manufacturer of coal-fired power plants is stepping out of the market and focusing on green alternatives.

U.S. industrial giant General Electric has said it will close or sell the sites as it prioritizes the renewable energy and power generation business.

This will come before a US presidential election where candidates have completely different views on coal.

The NGO Natural Resources Defense Council said the move was “almost in time”.

GE has said in the past that it will focus less on fossil fuels, which reflects the growing acceptance of cleaner energy sources in the U.S. power grid.

But just five years ago, it threw out its biggest deal of all time – paying about 10 10 billion for the business of making coal fuel turbines.

‘Attractive Economy’

In a statement, the firm suggested that the decision was motivated by the economy.

Russell Stokes, GE Senior Vice President, said: “As GE continues to evolve, we are focusing on power generation businesses that have an attractive economy and an extended path.

“As we follow this departure from the new building coal power market, we will continue to support our customers and help their existing plants continue to operate in a cost-effective and efficient manner with state-of-the-art technology and service efficiency.”

• Can the Coronavirus Crisis End Coal?

U.S. President Donald Trump has championed “beautiful, clean coal” at a time when other developed countries are moving away from contaminating fossil fuels.

In an effort to revive struggling U.S. industry, Mr. Trump has reverted to Obama-era standards on coal emissions. But it did not stop this fall as cheap alternatives such as natural gas, solar and wind gain market share.

GE said it would continue to provide services at existing coal power plants, but warned that the decision could result in job losses.

The epidemic was caused by an epidemic that J Aviation, which makes jet engines, is already cutting 13,000 jobs.

In a tweet, the Natural Resources Protection Council said: “The community and organizers have been urging GE to come out of coal for years. This is an important and long-term step in the right direction to protect community health and the environment.”