Coal consumption expected to break 2013 record

Coal consumption will exceed 8 billion tons for the first time in a year, exceeding the record consumption in 2013.

Despite the accelerated clean energy transformation in the world in recent years and the steps to combat climate change, the use of coal, which is the largest source of carbon emissions, will break a record due to the increase in the dependence on this fuel with the use of coal in electricity generation due to high natural gas prices.

While Russia's sharp reduction in gas flow in response to the sanctions imposed by Europe after the war initiated by Russia in Ukraine led to a second consecutive year increase in coal use in Europe, it is estimated that Europe's coal demand will decline by 2025.

While coal demand in developed countries is expected to decrease in the next few years, strong demand growth is expected, especially in emerging Asian economies.

Coal is projected to remain the largest source of global carbon emissions as the decline in developed countries will be offset by growth in Asia.

Although coal production in the world's three largest coal producers China, India and Indonesia is expected to reach record levels this year, an increase in coal investments is not foreseen.

It is stated that the developments in China, the world's largest coal consumer, will play a decisive role in the global coal demand in the coming years, and the developments in India are also important.

UEA Energy Markets and Security Director Keisuke Sadamori, in his evaluation of the report, stated that the world is close to the highest consumption level in fossil fuels, "After reaching this peak level, coal demand will start to decline first, but we are not at that point yet." used the phrase.

Stating that the global coal demand will reach a record level this year and increase the emissions, Sadamori said:

“There are also many signs that the current energy crisis is accelerating the installation of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency applications and heat pumps. These developments will help reduce coal demand for years to come. Government policies also play a key role in creating a safer and more sustainable roadmap."