Coal demand is rising
Coal burn jumps sharply in 2021 – IEA
Economic recovery and surging natural gas prices have boosted demand for coal for power generation
Global power generation from coal is expected to have jumped by 9pc in 2021 to an all-time high of 10,350TWh, according to the IEA’s Coal 2021 report. The sharp rise is the result of rising demand from recovering economies, which are seeing growing electricity demand, and higher natural gas prices due to supply shortages, which have made coal-fired power generation cost-competitive. Recovering economic growth is also having an impact outside power generation. Global coal demand—including uses beyond power generation, such as for cement and steel production—is forecast to have grown by 6pc in 2021. “Coal is the single-largest source of global carbon emissions, and [2021’s] historically high l
Also in this section
28 November 2025
The launch of the bloc’s emissions trading system in 2005 was a pioneering step, but as the scheme hits 21 its impact as a driver of decarbonisation is still open to debate
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.
11 November 2025
Transition policies must recognise that significant industrial demand for carbon will continue even as economies hit net zero
6 November 2025
After years of pursuing ideologically driven climate leadership, Western powers are now stepping back under mounting political pressure and rising populist opposition—prompting concern essential climate action could be sidelined
