Coal production and consumption in the European Union (EU) have reached historic lows, with 2024 figures indicating a significant decrease. Eurostat reports reveal that coal production dropped to 242 million tonnes, marking a 12% decline from 2023. This reduction continues the downward trend observed in the previous year. Consumption also hit a record low, exceeding only 306 million tonnes, further illustrating coal’s diminishing prominence in electricity generation, which has plummeted to just 12% within the EU. While most member states have phased out coal production, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania, and Slovenia persist in extracting brown coal, the most polluting variety of coal.
Brown coal, or lignite, is particularly harmful due to its lower purity compared to black or hard coal, necessitating larger amounts for the same energy output. This inefficiency translates into higher emissions, making its use environmentally problematic. In terms of consumption, brown coal remains significantly dominant, with approximately 200 million tonnes consumed, double that of black coal’s 110 million tonnes. Notably, a group of 11 member states—including Spain, Italy, and Finland—along with Norway and Moldova, have effectively phased out coal entirely, showcasing a shift towards cleaner energy alternatives.
Conversely, Germany is still reliant on coal, with a staggering consumption of 92 million tonnes in 2024, the highest among EU nations and bordering countries. Germany has plans to eliminate black coal by 2036 and brown coal by 2038. Meanwhile, Poland is set on using coal until 2049, while other countries such as the Czech Republic and Romania have proposed 2030s timelines for coal phase-out but lack concrete, binding commitments. France, Italy, and Spain have the potential to achieve coal-free operations by 2030, and Greece has announced an ambitious goal to cease coal energy production by 2028, backed by substantial investment in transitioning affected regions.
The broader European landscape has seen significant coal-free moves, with the UK, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, and Ireland having discontinued coal for electing generation, although some may still utilize it for other purposes like heating. This collective effort reflects a growing recognition of the detrimental environmental impacts associated with coal usage. The ongoing transition, however, differs markedly among member states, illustrating a complex landscape of energy policies and commitments throughout the EU.
The war in Ukraine has profoundly impacted the EU’s coal supply chains, particularly regarding imports from Russia. Since 2022, the EU has enforced a ban on Russian hard coal, resulting in an astronomical 98% decline in these imports between 2021 and 2023. Current data indicates that the EU’s sourcing of hard coal is now concentrated primarily in five countries: Australia, the United States, Colombia, South Africa, and Kazakhstan. Approximately 67% of the EU’s black coal consumption relies on imports, underscoring a shift away from Russian supplies and towards alternative sources.
This evolution in coal consumption and sourcing is indicative of the EU’s broader strategy to mitigate climate change impacts and transition towards sustainable energy sources. The regional decline in coal use contrasts sharply with global trends in some areas, showcasing the EU’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing green technology. The trajectory appears evident, as many member states strive to embrace a future devoid of coal dependence, although significant challenges remain, particularly for those nations still heavily reliant on coal for energy production and economic stability.
