Newsletters | Request Trial | Log in | Advertise | Digital Issue   |   Search
  • Upstream
  • Midstream & Downstream
  • Gas & LNG
  • Trading & Markets
  • Corporate & Finance
  • Geopolitics
  • Podcasts
Search
Related Articles
Cheap gas key to unlocking new markets
Weaning poorer regions off coal means gas needs to be abundant and competitive longer term
Do not underplay China’s long-term gas growth narrative
A subdued market amid global trade tensions is just an aberration in gas’ upward trajectory
India’s oil demand looks to EV threat
Two wheels rather than four appear to be the biggest game-changer for India’s road oil use
China’s critical gas position
China will play a huge role in driving gas demand, with its Qatar partnership crucial to this growth amid global structural challenges
Gas may be bridge fuel for centuries
Energy majors argue transition debate has started to factor in the complexities of demand shifts and the wider role for gas
China’s pragmatic coal-to-gas strategy
A cautious approach to coal-to-gas switching offers lessons to others who are looking to balance cost with cleaner energy
Asia proves a growing draw for Gulf players
A newly formed joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Sinopec signals rising Gulf interest in the Asian market
India’s HMEL navigates clear path through market shifts
Integrated refining and petrochemicals company highlights strategic flexibility amid trade war risks and long-term planning to futureproof business, says CEO Prabh Das
Bad omens for Chinese oil demand
Sino-US trade tensions could see crude consumption crumble despite recent buying behaviour
India revamps retail fuel business
The country is seeing a notable increase in petroleum product retail outlets, with private operators gaining market share
Coal China India
Gregor Macdonald
15 July 2019
Follow @PetroleumEcon
Forward article link
Share PDF with colleagues

Coal clinging on in South and East Asia

Global demand for coal to power continues to be king, but the upside may be limited

Global coal consumption may have peaked in 2013 at a shade under 3.9bn t oe but its legacy infrastructure may give it an in-built resilience to ensure that any decline is both shallow and long. For all the fanfare about coal's demise, figures from the recently released BP Statistical Review show that 2018 demand sat merely 2.4pc below peak, and coal last year was a competitive grower in both global power generation and on the broader measure of global energy. Details were revealing. World demand for electricity soared by 3.65pc in 2018, to an all-time record high of 938.2TWh. Despite combined wind and solar providing 273TWh of that growth, 'king coal' was still the winner, providing 294TWh.

Also in this section
The long road to African energy finance
16 June 2025
The launch of the much-needed yet oft-delayed Africa Energy Bank remains shrouded in questions and funding constraints, but its potential is clear
Azerbaijan enjoys rare upstream FID
16 June 2025
BP and partners have reached a $2.9b FID on a new phase at Shah Deniz, but slow progress on other gas projects is attributed to a lack of European support
Saudi Arabia and Russia pull OPEC+ in different directions
13 June 2025
The two oil heavyweights’ diverging fiscal considerations are straining unity within the group
Trump creates new risk dynamic
13 June 2025
US policies may have lasting effects in sectors such as energy, that rely on predictable rules and long-term planning

Share PDF with colleagues

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: PDF sharing is permitted internally for Petroleum Economist Gold Members only. Usage of this PDF is restricted by <%= If(IsLoggedIn, User.CompanyName, "")%>’s agreement with Petroleum Economist – exceeding the terms of your licence by forwarding outside of the company or placing on any external network is considered a breach of copyright. Such instances are punishable by fines of up to US$1,500 per infringement
Send

Forward article Link

Send
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Project Data
Maps
Podcasts
Social Links
Featured Video
Home
  • About us
  • Subscribe
  • Reaching your audience
  • PE Store
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact us
  • Privacy statement
  • Cookies
  • Sitemap
All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws © 2025 The Petroleum Economist Ltd
Cookie Settings
;

Search