Chief Scientist Alan Finkel has challenged figures used by supporters of coal-fired power stations.
Liberal senator Ian Macdonald suggested there were more than 600 coal plants under way around the world, which would undermine any emissions reduction achieved by Australia.
Dr Finkel told a Senate hearing on Thursday he had seen a range of figures. However, he understood the number of coal plants in China and India in the initial planning stage or being built was "far less than what was projected a year ago".
"(China) has a commitment as a country to reduce emissions. They are finding they are reaping the benefits of their commitments to wind and solar at a faster rate than they thought," he said.
Asked about developments in Europe, Dr Finkel said he was aware of only one high-efficiency coal plant currently being built and it was in trouble.
The plant in Germany, which was licensed in 2009, had become "a bit of a debacle", he said.
Dr Finkel produced a review of the electricity sector for the Turnbull government, which included modelling of a number of policies to cut emissions, lower prices and ensure a more reliable system.
He said his modelling had been provided to the Energy Security Board as it put flesh to the bones of the proposed national energy guarantee policy.
He believed the NEG modelling could be produced in time for a COAG Energy Council meeting in late November.
But he said the states and electricity sector needed to be properly consulted.
"The ramifications of getting any aspect of the rules wrong are very serious," he said.
