Molly Ayala
Coal has been used to generate electricity since the late 19th century, but its use has become increasingly controversial due to its environmental impact. Coal is a fossil fuel and the most carbon-intensive one, contributing to global carbon dioxide emissions and climate change. While coal still supplies just over a third of global electricity generation, there are significant variations in coal usage across countries and regions. In the UK, for instance, coal's role in the electricity mix has declined sharply, from over half in the late 1980s to a mere couple of percent. The US has also seen a Growing Trend Against Coal-Fired Power Plants, with coal-generated electricity decreasing from 51% in 2001 to 19.5% in 2022. China, on the other hand, consumes 30% more coal than the rest of the world combined, but even there, coal consumption is expected to level off due to the expansion of renewable energy sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is coal the largest source of electricity globally? | Yes |
| Which country consumes 30% more coal than the rest of the world? | China |
| Which country consumes the second-highest amount of coal? | India |
| How much coal was consumed globally in 2024? | 8.77 billion tonnes |
| What is the largest source of electricity in the US? | Fossil fuels (60%) |
| How much electricity in the US is generated from coal? | 19.5% (2022) |
| How much electricity in the UK is generated from coal? | 1.6% (2020) |
| When did coal generation peak in the UK? | Early 1990s |
| What is the principle behind coal-based electricity generation? | Burning coal releases thermal energy |
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What You'll Learn
Coal is the largest source of electricity globally
Coal is currently the largest source of electricity worldwide, with fossil fuels being the largest source of global carbon dioxide emissions. While coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, it still supplies over a third of the world's electricity. For instance, in 2022, coal generated about 19.5% of the electricity in the United States, down from 38.6% in 2014 and 51% in 2001. Similarly, in the UK, coal's contribution to electricity generation has declined from over half in the late 1980s to a mere 1.6% in recent years.
The use of coal varies across different regions. In China, coal consumption is expected to stabilise due to the increasing use of renewable energy sources. In contrast, emerging economies such as India, Indonesia, and Vietnam have witnessed a sharp increase in electricity demand, primarily relying on coal-fired generation. Europe has also experienced an increase in coal-fired generation, with a nearly 7% rise in the European Union.
The decline in coal usage can be attributed to various factors, including the growing availability of natural gas, decreased consumption, the emergence of renewable energy sources, and stricter environmental regulations. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States has implemented restrictions on coal plants to address mercury pollution, smog, and global warming. Additionally, the IEA's Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario aims for a complete phase-out of unabated coal generation by 2040.
To ensure a cleaner energy future, governments and the coal industry must develop and adopt less polluting and more efficient technologies. Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) are crucial in reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero targets. While coal currently dominates global electricity production, the transition towards decarbonisation and the increasing adoption of renewable alternatives will shape the energy landscape in the coming years.
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Coal's role in electricity generation is declining in the UK
Coal has played a significant role in electricity generation since the Industrial Revolution. In the late 1980s, coal was the source of more than half of the UK's electricity. However, in recent years, there has been a dramatic decline in the use of coal for electricity generation in the UK. This shift can be attributed to the decarbonisation of the grid and the introduction of new technologies.
The UK has made significant progress in decarbonising its electricity system, which has led to a decrease in coal usage. In 2020, only 1.6% of electricity in Britain was generated by coal, and there were significant periods of coal-free electricity generation, including a record 68-day run. The last coal power station in the UK closed at the end of September 2024, and coal will be completely phased out of the power mix by October 2024. This is in line with the country's commitment to phasing out coal usage by the end of 2024.
The decline in coal usage in the UK is also due to the introduction of new innovations and technologies. As the country moves away from coal and gas, stability pathfinders and inertia measurement tools are being utilised to manage the electricity system. These tools help to bring important stabilising properties to the grid, reducing the need for thermal generation like coal.
While coal is being phased out in the UK, it still plays a crucial role in electricity generation globally. In 2022, global coal-fired generation reached an all-time high, with coal remaining the dominant source of electricity in many countries. This uptick in coal usage has been attributed to high natural gas prices and extreme weather events. However, the overall trend is moving away from coal, with many countries transitioning to renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, the role of coal in electricity generation is declining in the UK due to decarbonisation efforts and the adoption of new technologies. While coal once played a significant role in the country's energy mix, it is now being phased out in favour of cleaner and more sustainable alternatives. This shift away from coal is part of a global trend towards reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
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Coal is a fossil fuel
Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel and is the largest source of electricity globally, supplying just over a third of global electricity generation. It remains the dominant source of electricity for many countries, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, where coal-fired power generation in China grew by around 2% compared to 2021 levels. China consumes 30% more coal than the rest of the world put together. In India, extreme heatwaves in the summer of 2022 sharply increased electricity demand, which was primarily met by coal-fired generation.
However, there has been a substantial shift away from coal in some countries, such as the UK, where coal's contribution to the electricity mix has dwindled to just a couple of percent. In the US, the average share of electricity generated from coal dropped from 52.8% in 1997 to 19.7% in 2022. This decline has been linked to the increased availability of natural gas, decreased consumption, the emergence of renewable power, and more stringent environmental regulations.
To meet net-zero emissions targets, the overall trend must be towards a global decline in coal-fired generation. The IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario envisions that all unabated coal generation ends by 2040. While coal is being gradually replaced in most countries, it will continue to play a crucial role in iron and steel production until newer technologies are available.
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Coal generation peaked in the early 1990s
Coal has been used to generate electricity since the Industrial Revolution, when it was also used to power steam engines and heat buildings. In 1882, Thomas Edison's Holborn Viaduct coal plant became the first power station of its kind, burning coal to provide energy to light 1,000 lamps in the City of London.
In the 2000s, coal use in Britain and the US peaked before sharply declining. By 2024, coal use in the US had fallen to less than half of what it was in 2005. In Britain, coal generation made up a third of power generation, but its share has fallen due to the decarbonisation of the electricity system. In 2020, Britain had significant periods of coal-free electricity generation, including a record 68-day run.
While coal generation has declined in many advanced economies, it has increased in some emerging economies such as India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, where electricity demand is rising sharply. In 2022, global coal-fired generation reached an all-time high, driven by high natural gas prices and extreme weather events. However, this is expected to be a temporary glitch, and the overall trend is towards reducing coal-fired generation to meet net-zero emissions targets.
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Coal is being phased out
Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, and phasing it out is critical to limiting climate change. Coal-fired power plants burn coal to heat water, creating steam that spins a turbine to produce electricity. This process releases carbon dioxide and methane, harmful greenhouse gases, into the atmosphere.
In recent years, there has been a significant push to phase out coal and transition to renewable energy sources. Several countries have already eliminated coal power entirely, such as Austria, Belgium, and Ontario in North America. Others have set ambitious targets for phasing out coal, like Germany, which aims to shut down its last coal-fired power station by 2035-2038.
The Powering Past Coal Alliance, launched at COP23, is a notable example of global cooperation towards phasing out coal. This alliance includes countries that have committed to phasing out existing coal power and introducing a moratorium on new traditional coal power plants.
While some countries are making strides towards a coal-free future, others are still heavily reliant on coal. China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam have seen increases in coal consumption and production, with China consuming 30% more coal than the rest of the world combined. However, China has also started to pair coal with renewable sources and has equipped some plants with carbon capture technology.
Despite these challenges, the overall trend is towards reducing coal-fired power generation. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that coal demand will plateau in the next few years, and advanced economies are expected to continue decreasing their coal demand. The transition away from coal is crucial for meeting the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Coal is the largest source of electricity globally, but it is not responsible for half of electricity generation. In 2022, coal accounted for more than one-third of total electricity generation. In the US, coal generated 19.5% of electricity at utility-scale facilities in 2022, down from 51% in 2001. In the UK, coal's contribution has dwindled to a couple of percent.
Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel and is harmful to the environment. However, it is still used because energy demand is increasing, and some countries feel they have no other choice. Coal is also crucial for iron and steel production.
China consumes 30% more coal than the rest of the world combined. In 2022, coal-fired power generation in China grew by 2% compared to 2021. India also saw a significant increase in coal-fired generation in 2022 due to extreme heatwaves.
