Global energy scenarios: coal still in the picture

The war in Ukraine has triggered a resurgence in coal-based power production in several parts of the world, but mainly in Europe. While policymakers work to achieve a structurally lower gas consumption, some countries may reactivate previously closed or placed-on-reserve coal plants in Europe. Annual global coal demand experienced a rapid surge from 4.7 Gt in 2000 to its pinnacle at 8 Gt in 2014; since then its use has fallen steadily. The economic and trade contractions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 7% reduction in coal demand in 2020. Although coal will recover to some extent, it will […]