Developing countries are following China&#x27;s example because it works. Renewables such as solar and wind are expensive and can&#x27;t keep the lights on.<p>People in developing countries want &quot;real electricity, not fake electricity&quot; as villagers in Dharnai, India told the Chief Minister of Bihar state when he came to inaugurate a solar microgrid. (subscription required) <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.eenews.net&#x2F;climatewire&#x2F;stories&#x2F;1060026477" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.eenews.net&#x2F;climatewire&#x2F;stories&#x2F;1060026477</a><p>Yes, Beijing&#x27;s air quality is bad, but you can put pollution control systems on power plants and China is doing exactly that. A very large problem for Beijing is uncontrolled pollution from automobiles, scooters, trucks and other small engines.<p>The point about coal is that it keeps the lights on and it is affordable. That matters a huge amount when you don&#x27;t have electricity.