Coal demand grows 2.5% in 2012

The world experienced a slowdown in the growth of energy consumption on 2012, according the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2013. The annual publication showed below-average growth in Brazil, China, the EU, India, Japan, Russia and the US, while consumption for all forms of fossil energy was below average. Meanwhile, the report noted that the “American shale revolution” remained the most noticeable supply-side trend.

Coal demand

According to the report, coal consumption grew by 2.5% in 2013, making it the fastest growing fossil fuel – but still well under the 10 year average of 4.4%. For the first time, China accounted for more that half of global coal consumption and accounted for all of the net growth, despite recording below average growth of 6.1%.

OECD consumption declined by 4.2% as a steep drop in US coal use offset gains in Europe and Japan. US coal consumption dropped by 11.9% over the year, as the shale revolution saw many utilities switch to gas.

Overall, coal accounted for 29.9% of global primary energy consumption (29.9%), its highest share since 1970.

Coal supply

Global coal production grew by 2%, with growth of 3.5% in China and of 9% in Indonesia offsetting a decline of 7.5% in the US (-7.5%). Of the other major producers, Australia (4.2%), Colombia (3.7%), India (3.5%), South Africa (3.1%) and Russia (6.1%) all recorded increases in production. 

Written by Jonathan Rowland

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/13062013/coal_fastest_growing_fossil_fuel_bp_statistical_review_of_world_energy_2013/