Coal demand is rising
Coal burn jumps sharply in 2021 – IEA
Economic recovery and surging natural gas prices have boosted demand for coal for power generation
Global power generation from coal is expected to have jumped by 9pc in 2021 to an all-time high of 10,350TWh, according to the IEA’s Coal 2021 report. The sharp rise is the result of rising demand from recovering economies, which are seeing growing electricity demand, and higher natural gas prices due to supply shortages, which have made coal-fired power generation cost-competitive. Recovering economic growth is also having an impact outside power generation. Global coal demand—including uses beyond power generation, such as for cement and steel production—is forecast to have grown by 6pc in 2021. “Coal is the single-largest source of global carbon emissions, and [2021’s] historically high l
Also in this section
2 June 2025
Rather than a simple climate option, CCS is now being seen as a workable solution for Africa’s growth strategy
27 May 2025
EU Parliament and Council both agree to exempt bulk of importers from paying a carbon tax on goods imported into the EU
27 May 2025
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage needs stable policy, investable frameworks and coordinated infrastructure if it is to be developed at scale
19 May 2025
The two Gulf states are combining fossil fuel production with ambitions to become leaders in low-carbon energy
