Coal consumption is rising globally at record levels, even as the EU and US make savings

Although the EU and USA make savings
Global coal consumption is increasing at record levels

December 15, 2023, 8:54 am

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Despite the climate crisis, coal is still one of the most popular energy sources – especially in Asia. Consumption there has grown enormously, overshadowing the sharp decline in demand in Europe and America. So the International Energy Agency reports record values.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the climate-damaging consumption of coal reached a new peak globally this year. Total consumption rose 1.4 percent to 8.5 billion tons, the IEA said. A sharp decline in demand in Europe and the US was offset by growing consumption in Asia. “Demand is particularly high in emerging and developing countries,” the IEA said.

In China alone, coal consumption was 220 million tons more than the previous year, an increase of 4.9 percent. According to the IEA, India recorded an increase of eight percent, while consumption in Indonesia increased by eleven percent.

According to the International Energy Agency, coal consumption fell by 23 percent in Europe and 21 percent in the United States. This is mainly due to weak industrial activity and the shift away from coal-fired power generation in favor of renewable energies.

First time rejection prediction

The IEA expects coal consumption to remain low next year. “We assume a downward trend in global coal demand from 2024 onwards,” the Paris-based firm said. A 2.3 percent reduction in climate-damaging energy sources is projected by 2026. This is the first time the IEA expects coal consumption to fall.

The World Climate Conference in Dubai decided to begin the end of fossil energy production. After two weeks of negotiations, nearly 200 participating countries agreed for the first time on a text calling for a “transition” from fossil fuels. However, the clear phase-out from coal, oil and gas demanded by more than 100 countries has not happened.

According to the IEA, coal is the most important source of energy for power generation, steel and cement production – and the largest man-made source of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. According to the IEA, consumption will actually need to fall significantly faster to meet the targets agreed in the Paris climate agreement.