Global coal production reached a record high in 2023, with Asia Pacific countries, particularly China and India, leading the way. Despite this surge, coal consumption continues to decline in Western countries as they transition to cleaner energy sources.
The Energy Institute’s 2024 Statistical Review of World Energy highlighted that global coal production hit 179 exajoules (EJ) in 2023, with the Asia Pacific region contributing nearly 80% of the output. China alone produced over half of the world’s total coal, while North America, Southern & Central America, Europe, and the Commonwealth of Independent States saw declines in production.
On the consumption side, global coal consumption exceeded 164 EJ for the first time in 2023, marking a 1.6% increase from the previous year. China remained the largest consumer, accounting for 56% of global coal use. India’s coal consumption surpassed that of Europe and North America combined, while coal consumption in the latter two regions dropped to their lowest levels since 1965.
Despite the record-high production levels, coal prices saw a significant decrease in 2023, with European delivered prices averaging around $130 per metric ton and Asian prices averaging about $125 per metric ton. The Top 10 coal producers and consumers remained largely consistent from the previous year, with Mongolia replacing Poland on the list of top producers.
The report emphasized the dominant role of Asia Pacific countries in global coal production, with China, India, Australia, and Indonesia leading the way. China’s unprecedented production and consumption levels solidify its position as the world’s largest coal producer and consumer, while India’s rising consumption reflects shifting dynamics in global energy use.
The ongoing decline in coal consumption in Western countries underscores the global transition towards cleaner energy sources. These trends have significant implications for carbon emissions, as coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel. Addressing the rise in coal consumption is crucial in efforts to curb carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change.
Overall, the 2024 Statistical Review of World Energy paints a picture of the evolving global energy landscape, with coal production and consumption trends reflecting the changing dynamics of energy markets. As countries continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources, the role of coal in the global energy mix is likely to undergo further transformations in the coming years.
