The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that global coal demand will continue to rise, reaching record levels of approximately 8.9 billion tons by 2027—an estimated 1% increase compared to 2024 levels.
Contradictory Trends
Recent data contrasts earlier projections suggesting coal demand peaked last year, highlighting significant challenges in reducing emissions driving climate change.
Carbon Emission Reduction Efforts
While renewable energy sources like wind and solar are expanding, the persistent rise in coal demand underscores the difficulty of limiting carbon emissions. Notably, China and India—accounting for the bulk of global coal consumption—are pivotal in this trend. These developing nations increasingly rely on affordable coal to meet growing energy needs.
Balancing Demand and Decline
Although coal consumption has declined in Europe and the U.S., rising demand in China and India offsets this reduction. This dynamic underscores the critical role of developing economies in the fight against climate change and the pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2050.