Wiktor Wise
Coal is the world's largest power source, generating about a third of global electricity in 2020. It is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel and source of electricity. Despite a record drop in coal generation during the pandemic, it remains a crucial source of electricity in many countries. In 2022, coal generated about 19.5% of electricity in the United States, down from 38.6% in 2014 and 51% in 2001. China, India, the United States, and Japan are the top four coal-power countries, responsible for over three-quarters of the world's coal-fired electricity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global electricity generation from coal | Just over a third (33%) |
| Percentage of US electricity generation from coal in 2022 | 19.7% |
| Percentage of US electricity generation from coal in 1997 | 52.8% |
| US coal-fired electricity generation in 2006 | 227.1 GW (1991 TWh per year) |
| US coal-fired electricity generation in 2000 | 224.3 GW (1966 TWh for the year) |
| US coal consumption for electricity generation in 2009 | 92.3% of coal mined in the US |
| US coal consumption for electricity generation in 2012 | 21% less than 2011 levels |
| US electricity generation from petroleum in 2023 | 0.4% |
| US electricity generation from other gases and sources in 2023 | 0.5% |
| US electricity generation from nuclear energy in 2023 | 18% |
| US electricity generation from wind energy in 2023 | 10% |
| US electricity generation from hydropower in 2023 | 6% |
| US electricity generation from solar power in 2023 | 4% |
| US electricity generation from biomass in 2023 | 1% |
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What You'll Learn
Coal remains the world's largest source of electricity
The use of coal for electricity generation varies by country. 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, a shift to renewable power, and stricter environmental regulations. Despite this, coal-fired power plants in the US were still responsible for a significant amount of the country's mercury pollution.
In contrast, some countries have seen a massive shift away from coal in recent years. For example, the UK has transitioned away from coal as a source of electricity. Gas has become the second-largest source of electricity production globally and is quickly growing in many countries as a substitute for coal. This transition is positive from a climate perspective, as gas typically emits less CO2 per unit of energy.
To meet net-zero emissions targets, coal-fired power generation must decline by around 55% by 2030 compared to 2022 levels and be completely phased out by 2040. While coal remains the world's largest source of electricity, the development and deployment of less polluting and more efficient technologies will be necessary to reduce its environmental impact.
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Coal use is declining in advanced economies but rising in emerging ones
Coal is currently the largest source of electricity worldwide, and it has been used to generate electricity in the United States since 1882. However, there has been a shift away from coal in advanced economies such as the United States and the United Kingdom in recent years. In 2022, coal consumption in the United States decreased by 8% compared to 2021, and the average share of electricity generated from coal in the US 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, a shift to renewable power, and stricter environmental regulations.
On the other hand, coal consumption is rising in emerging economies such as India, China, and Southeast Asia. In 2022, global coal consumption levels reached an all-time high, driven by increased demand in India and China. In 2023, demand in emerging and developing economies remained strong, with an 8% increase in India and a 5% increase in China. This trend is expected to continue, with India and Southeast Asia being the only regions where coal consumption is projected to grow significantly through 2026.
The shift in coal demand and production to Asia is accelerating, and this trend is likely driven by the balance between sustainable or emission-free electricity and cheap, easily accessible coal power. As developed nations turn away from coal, its price will continue to fall, making it a more attractive option for developing or underdeveloped nations with fast-growing energy demands. However, coal is the most polluting and emission-intensive fossil fuel and the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions from human activity. Therefore, it is essential to transition to low-carbon sources such as renewables and nuclear energy to meet international climate targets.
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Coal-fired generation has been in decline in the US since 2007
Coal has been a significant source of electricity generation in the US since the 19th century. However, coal-fired generation has been on a decline since 2007 due to various factors, including the increased availability of natural gas, decreased consumption, the rise of renewable energy sources, and stricter environmental regulations.
In 2023, about 4.18 trillion kilowatthours (kWh) of electricity were generated in the United States, with about 60% coming from fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, and petroleum. While coal remains a significant component of the energy mix, its contribution has been decreasing. The average share of electricity generated from coal in the US dropped from 52.8% in 1997 to 19.7% in 2022.
The decline in coal-fired generation is attributed to several factors. Firstly, the emergence of shale gas and the increasing availability of natural gas have provided a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to coal. Natural gas-fired power plants with modern combined-cycle technology operate with 30% to 35% greater efficiency than coal-fired plants, impacting the relative fuel costs. Additionally, utilities or grid managers tend to select the lowest-cost power available, which in recent years has favored wind, solar, and natural gas over coal.
Environmental concerns and stricter regulations have also played a role in the decline of coal-fired generation. Coal-fired power plants are major contributors to mercury pollution, smog, and global warming. The Environmental Protection Agency has implemented restrictions on coal plants to address these issues, further reducing the attractiveness of coal as an energy source.
The retirement of older, poorer-performing plants has also contributed to the decline. Despite some fluctuations in coal-fired generation, the overall trend indicates a continuous decrease. IEEFA's research predicts that coal-fired generation capacity will likely continue its steady decline, reaching approximately 115,000 MW by 2030.
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Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel
Coal has been used to generate electricity in the United States since 1882, when an Edison plant was built in New York City. By 1902, the first AC power station was opened by General Electric in Pennsylvania. In the following decades, coal became the leading fuel for generating electricity in the US. However, its use began to decline after 2007 due to the increased availability of natural gas, decreased consumption, the emergence of renewable power sources, and stricter environmental regulations. This trend is not unique to the US, as countries in the EU, such as Portugal, Belgium, Austria, and Sweden, have also closed their last remaining coal plants.
Despite the shift away from coal in some countries, it remains the largest source of electricity globally, supplying over one-third of the world's electricity. This is particularly true for emerging economies in Asia, where new coal-fired power plants are still being built. The continued reliance on coal is concerning from an environmental perspective, as coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel. Its high carbon content results in the release of significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned, contributing to air pollution, global warming, and climate change.
The carbon intensity of a fuel refers to the amount of CO2 produced per unit of energy generated. Coal has a higher carbon intensity than other fossil fuels like oil and gas because it contains more carbon. When coal is burned, its carbon molecules react with oxygen in the air to form CO2. In contrast, oil and gas have a higher proportion of hydrogen, which forms H2O (water vapor) along with CO2 during combustion. Therefore, burning coal releases more CO2 per unit of energy compared to other fossil fuels.
To mitigate the environmental impact of coal-fired power generation, some plants have been fitted with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology. As of 2023, only four commercial coal-fired power plants worldwide have implemented CCUS: the Boundary Dam facility in Canada, the Petra Nova plant in Texas, and the Jinjie Power and Taizhou Power stations in China. CCUS technology allows these plants to supply low-emission power and provide stability services while reducing their carbon footprint.
While the transition to cleaner energy sources is gaining momentum, coal continues to play a significant role in global electricity generation. The high carbon intensity of coal remains a critical concern, emphasizing the need for further efforts to reduce emissions and mitigate the environmental consequences of burning this fossil fuel.
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Coal-fired power plants are the biggest source of mercury pollution
Coal-fired power plants have been a significant source of electricity for many years, with coal being the largest source of electricity globally. However, this has changed in some countries, such as the UK, which has seen a shift away from coal. In the US, coal was the leading fuel for generating electricity until 2007, when natural gas, renewable power, and stricter environmental regulations caused a decline in coal consumption. Despite this, coal remains a significant source of electricity, with fossil fuels, including coal, accounting for about 60% of US electricity generation in 2023.
The dangers of mercury pollution have led to efforts to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants. In 2012, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), which significantly reduced mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants. Additionally, the Biden administration tightened limits on mercury emissions from lignite coal-burning power plants in 2024, lowering allowable emissions by 70%. These regulations aim to protect the health of communities living near power plants and vulnerable groups such as children.
Despite these efforts, mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants remains a concern. In 2017, coal-fired power plants emitted approximately 8,800 pounds of mercury in the US alone. Certain states, such as North Dakota and Texas, have the highest mercury-polluting coal plants, endangering the health of communities in their vicinity and across the country. The Trump administration has been criticized for allowing exemptions to air pollution limits, enabling coal-fired power plants to release more mercury and other toxins. Legal actions are being pursued against the EPA to address these illegal exemptions and protect public health.
Overall, while coal-fired power plants have been a significant source of electricity, they have also contributed to mercury pollution, which has severe health and environmental impacts. Efforts to reduce mercury emissions have been successful, but ongoing challenges highlight the need for stronger safeguards to protect communities from the toxic effects of mercury pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Coal generated 34% of global electricity in 2020, but this fell to just over a third in 2022.
China, India, the United States, and Japan are responsible for over 75% of the world's coal-fired electricity.
Coal use for electricity generation is decreasing in most advanced economies and is expected to keep decreasing through 2027. However, demand for coal is increasing in some emerging economies, such as India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
