The problem is we’re phasing out an abundant electric generating resource (coal) and getting more dependent on a less abundant resource (nat gas) which will continue to ramp up in price with demand.
The ChiCom approach of building lots of new coal plants may be pretty economical. Especially if they can attain hegemony over Australia for their supply.
They don’t need Australia, they already have US.
Natural gas is pretty darned abundant.
Just ask the frackers.