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Peak coal is the peak consumption or production of coal by a human community. Peak coal can be driven by peak demand or peak supply. Historically, it was widely believed that the supply-side would eventually drive peak coal due to the depletion of coal reserves. However, since the increasing global efforts to limit climate change, peak coal has been driven by demand.[1] This is due in large part to the rapid expansion of natural gas and renewable energy.[1] As of 2024 over 40% of all energy sector CO2 emissions are from coal, and many countries have pledged to phase-out coal.[2]
The peak of coal's share in the global energy mix was in 2008, when coal accounted for 30% of global energy production.[1] Coal consumption is declining in the United States and Europe, as well as developed economies in Asia.[1] However, consumption is still increasing in India and Southeast Asia,[3] which compensates for the falls in other regions.[4] Global coal consumption reached an all time high in 2023 at 8.5 billion tons.[5]
- ^ a b c d Rapier, Robert. "Coal Demand Rises, But Remains Below Peak Levels". Forbes. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- ^ "Executive summary – Accelerating Just Transitions for the Coal Sector – Analysis". IEA. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ "Global coal demand expected to decline in coming years - News". IEA. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
- ^ "Coal Information: Overview". Paris: International Energy Agency. July 2020. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
- ^ "Global coal use at all-time high in 2023 - IEA". Reuters. 2023.