Fuel report
Coal 2018
Analysis and forecasts to 2023
Coal
Coal supplies over one-third of global electricity generation and plays a crucial role in industries such as iron and steel.
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Despite legitimate concerns about air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, coal use is likely to continue to be significant in the future in the absence of concerted government policy. For coal to have a place as a cleaner energy source in the decades to come, greater efforts are needed by government and industry to develop and deploy less polluting and more efficient technologies.
Last updated Nov 28, 2019
Key findings
Coal demand by region and scenario, 2018-2040
OpenGlobal coal use rose for the second straight year in 2018
This rise mainly came from China, India, Indonesia and some other countries in South and Southeast Asia, regions where demand for electricity has continued to grow and coal remains the largest source of generated electricity. There is a stark variation in the coal outlook between the Stated Policies Scenario, in which global coal demand is essentially flat, and the Sustainable Development Scenario, in which it falls rapidly.
Share of coal-fired power generation in the Sustainable Development Scenario, 2000-2040
OpenCoal-fired power is not on track
Coal power generation increased 3% in 2018 (similar to the 2017 increase), and for the first time crossed the 10 000 TWh mark. Coal remains firmly in place as the largest source of power at 38% of overall generation. That said, investment in coal-fired power declined by nearly 3% to the lowest level since 2004, and final investment decisions for new plants continue to decline. Coal-fired generation without CCUS needs to decrease 5.8% per year to 2030 to be in line with the SDS.
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Analysis
Commentary
Fading fast in the US and Europe, coal still reigns in Asia
Flagship report
World Energy Outlook 2019
Country report
Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2019
Comprehensive review of a region on the rise
Statistics report
World Energy Balances 2019
Complete energy balances for over 150 countries and regions
Statistics report
Coal Information 2019
Comprehensive historical review and current market trends in the world coal sector
Report
Chinese Companies Energy Activities in Emerging Asia
Technology report
China Power System Transformation
Assessing the benefit of optimised operations and advanced flexibility options
Events
18 Dec 2018
Coal 2018
24 Aug 2018
Statistics: Coal Information 2018
26 Jul 2018
Statistics: Coal Information 2018 Overview
19 Mar 2018
