The use of coal sets record numbers.. 4.7 billion tons in 6 months

Coal consumption reached historic world highs in 2022, and is expected to again hit record highs this year, according to French.

According to an international report, last year’s coal consumption “increased 3.3 per cent to 8.3 billion tons.” In the first half of 2023, global coal demand grew by about 1.5 per cent, reaching 4.7 billion tons, supported by lower prices, which returned to 2021 levels.

In 2023 and 2024, the small decrease in the use of coal for power plants worldwide was offset by increased use in industry, with significant geographical variations.

China, India and Southeast Asian countries are expected to consume about three quarters of the world’s coal this year.

While Europe and North America have been consuming 40 per cent of the world’s coal for some 30 years, they currently account for only 10 per cent of total demand.

In Europe, the sharp decline in coal demand at power plants this year is expected to continue with the development of renewable energies, which release small amounts of greenhouse gases, and with the resumption of nuclear and hydroelectric power.