UNECE and the World Coal Association commit to long-term collaboration

Through this MoU, UNECE and WCA will work to facilitate a dialogue between governments and the coal industry, with the aim to increase the awareness of the role of coal in the global energy mix and in providing access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

UNECE Executive Secretary Christian Friis Bach stated: “Coal will continue to be part of the global energy supply for the foreseeable future. Therefore, clean coal technologies are critical to achieve the goals in the Paris Climate Agreement including high efficiency-low emissions technologies, methane management, carbon capture and storage and identifying the most efficient coal resources. UNECE looks forward to working with the World Coal Association to achieve this.”

Benjamin Sporton, CEO of WCA, added: “WCA will work closely with UNECE to demonstrate the role of coal in achieving universal energy access and combatting climate change. By keeping coal in the energy mix and supporting technology that reduces emissions, we’ll be making energy affordable and accessible to all.”

UNECE and WCA will work together through UNECE's Committee on Sustainable Energy and its subsidiary bodies, the Groups of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and on Cleaner Electricity Production from Fossil Fuels. WCA will also assist in disseminating information on the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009 (UNFC) and its application to solid minerals.