Energy Demand and the Role of Coal

According to the latest World Energy Outlook Report 2008, published by International Energy Agency (IEA), world energy demand is predicted to expand by 45% between now and 2030 - a compound annual average rate of increase of 1.6% per year - with coal accounting for more than a third of the overall rise.

The key message is that coal will remain essential as a basis for secure, low-cost, and sustainable power production and continue to make a major contribution to the global energy supply in the 21^st century. The worldwide energy consumption will almost double over the next 3 decades, driven by economic growth particularly in developing countries (e.g. China, India).

Currently coal produces approx. 41% of the world’s electricity (twice as much as the next largest source natural gas) and around 70% of the world’s steel. Coal use in power generation is projected by IEA to grow 60% by 2030.