In its annual coal market report, the IEA said global coal use is forecast to rise 0.5% to 8.85 billion tonnes this year.
In the United States, where demand has fallen in recent years, consumption is expected to rise by around 8% this year. The IEA attributed this to higher natural gas prices and a slowdown in the shutdown of coal-fired power plants under President Donald Trump’s administration.
In the European Union, demand for coal in 2025 fell significantly less than in the previous two years, as lower production from wind and hydropower in the first half of the year led to greater reliance on coal power generation.
India, which usually contributes to global demand growth, is expected to generate less power from coal this year. The IEA said the early and intense monsoon season reduced electricity demand while increasing hydropower production.
The IEA, based in Paris, said its forecast shows global coal use will stagnate in the coming years and then begin to decline by 2030.
Demand in China is expected to decline slightly by 2030 as renewable energy capacity expands rapidly. In contrast, the agency said India is likely to see the largest increase in coal consumption in the coming years.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
