In its latest report published on July 27, 2023, the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights a worrying trend: global coal production reached a historic peak in 2022. With an increase of 8% compared to the previous year, coal production reached 8.6 billion tons.
This significant increase in production is largely attributed to countries such as China, India and Indonesia. These emerging countries have experienced a growing demand for energy, which has led to an increase in their coal production to meet their needs.
However, this trend is not unique to these countries. In Europe, coal production also saw an increase for the second consecutive year, reaching 349 million tonnes, an increase of 5% compared to the previous year. Countries such as Russia and the United States have also seen an increase in their coal production.
Despite this growth, the report points out that coal production in South Africa, the continent’s largest producer, has seen marginal growth in 2022, with an increase of only 0.5% compared to the previous year. Factors such as declining domestic consumption and disruptions in the railway sector have limited the performance of mines in the country. Forecasts for next year even suggest a decrease in coal production in South Africa.
It is important to note that this increase in coal production is of environmental concern. Coal is a highly polluting source of energy and contributes to global warming. While many parts of the world are firmly committed to transitioning to cleaner energy sources, this increase in coal production runs counter to that goal.
It is essential that governments and industries around the world step up their efforts to reduce their dependence on coal and promote more sustainable alternatives such as renewable energy. Otherwise, we risk aggravating the climate crisis and jeopardizing future generations.
In conclusion, the increase in global coal production is a worrying trend that runs counter to global efforts to combat climate change