Mercedes Mullins
Coal is one of the most important primary fossil fuels, and it has been used to power economies for over 150 years. It is a solid, carbon-rich material that is usually brown or black, and it occurs most often in stratified sedimentary deposits. Coal is a major source of energy for producing electrical power, and it supplied 19% of US energy consumption in 2020. It is also used in gasification and liquefaction processes to produce gaseous and liquid fuels. While coal consumption is falling in many parts of the world, it still plays a crucial role in industries such as iron and steel. In 2022, global coal-fired generation reached an all-time high, with coal accounting for more than one-third of total electricity generation. However, coal is a significant contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, and there is a growing trend to transition towards low-carbon energy sources and renewable energy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Global coal use in 2022 | 8.3 billion tonnes |
| Global coal use in 2024 | 8.77 billion tonnes |
| China's coal consumption | 30% more than the rest of the world |
| Coal's contribution to electricity generation | Over one-third |
| Fossil fuel consumption since 1950 | Increased eight-fold |
| Fossil fuel consumption since 1980 | Doubled |
| Global primary energy sources | 80% from coal, oil, and gas |
| Fossil fuel emissions reduction target by 2030 | 50% |
| Carbon dioxide emissions from coal in 2020 | 14 billion tonnes |
| Fossil fuel emissions from coal in 2020 | 40% |
| Global greenhouse gas emissions from coal in 2020 | Over 25% |
| World gross carbon dioxide emissions from coal usage in 2016 | 14.5 gigatonnes |
| Carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants | Double that of natural gas-fired plants |
| Carbon dioxide emissions reduction in the US from coal | 50% from 2007 to 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
Coal's environmental impact
Coal is one of the biggest contributors to global warming and climate change. It is the single biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions, with coal-fired electricity generation accounting for over one-third of global electricity generation and playing a crucial role in industries such as iron and steel. Coal produces more CO2 than oil and gas per unit of energy, and coal-fired power plants emitted record levels of CO2 in 2022. China, which consumes 30% more coal than the rest of the world combined, is a major contributor to these emissions, although its consumption is expected to level off due to the expansion of renewable energy sources.
The environmental impact of coal goes beyond its carbon footprint. Coal mining dramatically alters the landscape, causing erosion and degrading wildlife habitats. The transportation and combustion of coal release numerous toxic pollutants into the air, water, and land, with coal-fired power plants being the leading sources of toxic air pollution in most countries. Coal is often transported over long distances, which can result in significant environmental impacts, such as the Shen Neng 1 coal carrier collision with the Great Barrier Reef in 2010. Coal combustion produces several gaseous byproducts, including CO2, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and methane, which contribute to climate change and air pollution, leading to smog and acid rain.
Thermal pollution is another issue caused by coal plants, where water used as a coolant is returned to the natural environment at a higher temperature, impacting organisms by decreasing oxygen supply and affecting ecosystem composition. Coal mining and combustion also have significant health impacts, with exposure to coal dust and other pollutants leading to increased healthcare costs, injury, and premature deaths. A 2011 report estimated the public health burdens in Appalachian communities to be as high as $74.6 billion per year.
Despite these environmental and health concerns, there is still a push to expand coal development due to political pressures and the relative abundance of domestic coal. However, many countries are transitioning away from coal towards gas, renewables, and nuclear energy sources. To achieve net-zero emissions targets, global coal-fired generation must be rapidly reduced, with a complete phase-out by 2040.
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Coal consumption
China is the largest consumer of coal globally, accounting for 56% of the world's total consumption. In 2023, China consumed 91.94 exajoules of coal, a massive amount that highlights the country's significant reliance on this fossil fuel. India is the second-largest consumer, with 21.98 exajoules, followed by the United States at 8.20 exajoules. These three countries are the top coal consumers, with China's consumption surpassing the combined total of all other nations.
The Asia-Pacific region has experienced a surge in coal demand since the 1990s, driving global consumption patterns. In 2024, China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam were responsible for the increasing demand for coal, while advanced economies showed a decreasing trend. This shift is attributed to rising electricity demands and economic and population growth in these emerging economies.
However, there are efforts to reduce coal consumption and transition to cleaner energy sources. As of the end of 2023, 84 countries, mostly advanced economies, had committed to phasing out coal or not developing new unabated coal power plants. These countries account for around 30% of current coal consumption for electricity generation. While the transition away from coal is gaining momentum, it is important to note that coal still supplies just over a third of global electricity generation.
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Coal-fired power plants
The process of generating electricity in a coal-fired power plant involves burning pulverized coal in a boiler to produce heat. This heat is transferred to pipes containing high-pressured water, which boils to become steam. The steam then moves through a turbine, causing it to rotate at high speed, which, in turn, spins a generator to produce electricity. This electricity is then fed into the electrical grid for consumption.
Despite their long history and technological advancements, coal-fired power plants face increasing scrutiny due to their environmental and health impacts. They release approximately 12 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, contributing about one-fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, they cause various illnesses and the most early deaths per unit of energy produced, primarily due to air pollution. As a result, there is a growing consensus on the need to phase out coal-fired power generation. The UN Secretary General has called for OECD nations to phase out coal-fired generation by 2030, with the rest of the world following by 2040.
The transition away from coal is already underway in many parts of the world, with a shift towards lower-carbon sources such as gas, renewables, and nuclear. However, the demand for coal remains strong in some emerging economies, such as India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where electricity demand is rising sharply alongside economic and population growth. Balancing the need for energy security with the imperative to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants is a complex challenge that requires regulatory and operational changes, including the adoption of alternative fuels and technologies.
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Phasing out coal
Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel and is responsible for over 30% of the global average temperature increase above pre-industrial levels. Phasing out coal is, therefore, a critical component of limiting climate change as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
The health and environmental benefits of phasing out coal far outweigh the costs. For example, limiting respiratory diseases and biodiversity loss. However, the speed of transition is a key concern for many countries, especially those with rising electricity needs. A rapid phase-out risks creating stranded assets, and it has been acknowledged that a complete phase-out by 2035 would require additional capital expenditure on electricity storage.
Despite these challenges, a handful of countries are already proving that a rapid, sustained shift is possible. Greece and the UK are leading the way, with Greece reducing coal power faster than any other country over an eight-year span, from 51% in 2014 to 10% in 2022. The UK reduced coal power from 39% in 2012 to 2% in 2020. Other countries in the top 10 include Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Romania, Germany, the United States, and Chile.
The countries with the fastest coal phase-outs tend to be high-income, with small populations, less growth in electricity demand, and coal plants already nearing retirement. However, some countries, such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have proved that a rapid transition can be feasible even with a bigger energy grid.
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Coal's role in electricity generation
Coal has been used to generate electricity since the Industrial Revolution. It is a fossil fuel that is burned to produce steam, which then spins turbines to generate electricity. While coal use has declined in many parts of the world, it still plays a significant role in electricity generation, supplying over one-third of global electricity. In 2022, global coal-fired generation reached an all-time high, pushing CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants to record levels.
The largest consumer of coal is China, which consumes 30% more coal than the rest of the world combined. However, China's consumption is expected to level off due to the increasing use of renewable energy sources. In contrast, demand for coal is increasing in emerging economies such as India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where electricity demand is rising sharply along with economic and population growth.
In the United States, coal accounted for about 19.5% of energy consumption in 2022, the lowest percentage since 1949. The primary use of coal in the US is to generate electricity, although it is also used in industries such as concrete, paper, and steel production. In Great Britain, coal use is being phased out, with new technologies being introduced to manage the properties of coal-fired power.
While coal is being gradually replaced in most countries, it continues to play a crucial role in industries such as iron and steel production. Phasing out coal in electricity systems requires regulatory and operational changes, including the use of alternative fuels such as ammonia, which does not emit CO2 when burned. To meet Net Zero Emissions targets, a global decline in coal-fired generation of around 55% by 2030 compared to 2022 levels is necessary, with a complete phase-out by 2040.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels are fuels formed from the carbon-rich remains of animals and plants that decomposed and were compressed and heated underground millions of years ago.
Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels.
Global coal consumption was 8.3 billion tonnes in 2022 and is expected to remain at this record level in 2023. In 2024, it is estimated to rise to 8.77 billion tonnes.
Coal supplies over one-third of global electricity generation. However, this varies across the world. In 2020, coal supplied 19% of US energy consumption.
The largest and most long-term effect of coal use is the release of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that causes climate change. Coal mining can also emit methane, another greenhouse gas. Coal is the largest anthropogenic source of carbon dioxide contributing to climate change.
