While the European Union champions green energy, other nations are doubling down on coal to fuel economic growth.
EU coal consumption and production have plunged dramatically over the decades, signaling a shift towards sustainability, but the global picture tells a very different story.
EU’s Coal Usage: A Decline Decades in the Making
Since the 1990s, the EU has steadily cut back on coal. Consumption of hard coal, which hovered around 300 million tons in 1999, began declining sharply, particularly after the 2008-2009 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2023, EU coal consumption stood at 351 million tons—down 23% compared to the previous year. Similarly, lignite usage dropped by 40% between 2018 and 2023.
Hard coal production has followed suit, plummeting by 82% since 1990. While 13 EU countries produced coal in the early 1990s, only Poland and the Czech Republic continued in 2023. Poland alone accounted for 97% of the EU’s output, producing 48 million tons in 2023—a sharp decline from its past levels. Poland also consumed 42% of the EU’s hard coal, with Germany trailing at 23%. Other nations, like France and Spain, accounted for only a small share, ranging between 3-6%.
Global Powerhouses Push Coal for Growth
In contrast, countries like China and India are embracing coal as they balance economic growth with energy demands. China, for instance, approved the construction of coal plants totaling 114 GW in 2023, marking a 10% increase from the prior year. Additionally, under the “Belt and Road Initiative,” Chinese state firms plan to build 140 coal-fired power plants abroad, with an estimated $1 trillion price tag.
India, facing surging electricity demand amid heatwaves and rapid economic expansion, is seeing its largest coal-fired power capacity growth in nearly a decade. This year, India plans to add 15.4 GW of coal power, a leap not seen since 2015. Despite significant progress in clean energy—adding over 100 GW in the past decade—India remains heavily reliant on coal, which generates three-quarters of its electricity. Officials project coal will dominate India’s energy mix for at least another ten years.
Renewable Aspirations Meet Practical Barriers
While India has ambitious renewable energy goals, limited storage capacity remains a bottleneck. Battery storage isn’t yet competitive in its electricity market, and pumped-storage projects are still in early stages. Meanwhile, alternative low-emission sources like large dams and nuclear plants face slow development timelines. To meet surging energy needs, India plans to add nearly 90 GW of coal-fired power capacity by 2030, with 28.5 GW already under construction and another 50 GW slated for the next three years.
The Contradiction at Play
The EU’s shift away from coal contrasts starkly with the coal-heavy strategies of China and India, reflecting a broader tension between environmental goals and economic realities. While Europe races toward sustainability, much of the world continues to rely on coal as a cornerstone of growth.
While the European Union champions green energy, other nations are doubling down on coal to fuel economic growth, reports Salon24. EU coal consumption and production have plunged dramatically over the decades, signaling a shift towards sustainability, but the global picture tells a very different story.
