Coal 2025 - Analysis and forecast to 2030

Coal is a cornerstone of electricity generation in many countries as well as the single largest source of carbon dioxide emissions globally, placing it at the centre of international dialogues on energy. At a time of uncertainty and change for energy systems around the world, a range of different trends could shape coal markets in the years ahead.

On the one hand, recent policy changes supporting coal could drive consumption higher, as could surging electricity demand in economies across the world, since two-thirds of global coal use today is for power generation. On the other, the rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity – particularly in China, the world’s biggest coal consumer – has the potential to curb demand. At the same time, the coming wave of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, which is likely to bring more abundant supplies and lower prices to natural gas markets, could prompt some regions to favour gas over coal.

Coal 2025 – the latest annual market report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) – explores the implications of these key developments and more. Drawing on the latest data, it analyses recent trends and provides forecasts through 2030 for coal demand, supply and trade by grade and region.