Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 7 hrs ago
Global coal use is expected to hit a new record this year
Global coal use is expected to set a new record this year, reversing an earlier forecast of a small decline.
The International Energy Agency estimates use will rise by more than 1%, though another study expects a smaller increase.
The Iran war disrupted LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing available gas and raising prices.
Because some power plants can switch between gas and coal, countries including Pakistan and Bangladesh used more coal to generate electricity.
Poland, South Korea, Japan and the Netherlands also burned more coal, while drought reduced hydropower output in Vietnam and India.
Burning coal worsens air pollution and produces more planet-warming emissions than oil or gas.
An energy analyst expects the coal rebound to be temporary, with renewable power likely to gain ground over time, although the timing of a peak is uncertain.
Global coal use is expected to rise by more than 1 percent this year, setting a new record, according to the International Energy Agency.
The IEA had forecast a slight decline late last year but revised its outlook in September.
Disruption to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war reduced liquefied natural gas supplies and raised gas prices, encouraging some power producers to burn coal instead.
Pakistan and Bangladesh increased coal use, while Poland, South Korea, Japan and the Netherlands also used more coal than in earlier years.
Ember researcher Daan Walter expects the current increase to be temporary, with renewable energy gaining ground over the longer term.
- Who
- The International Energy Agency expects global coal use to rise. Power producers in several countries are burning more coal.
- What
- Global coal use is expected to set a new record, rising by more than 1 percent this year.
- When
- This year, as reported on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- Worldwide, with increases reported in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Poland, South Korea, Japan and the Netherlands.
- Why
- Disruption to LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz made gas scarcer and more expensive, prompting some power producers to switch to coal. Drought and rising electricity demand also contributed in some countries.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The International Energy Agency forecast a slight decline in coal use.
The International Energy Agency revised its forecast.
The International Energy Agency expects coal use to increase by more than 1 percent, setting a new record.
- IEA forecast
- Coal use to rise by more than 1 percent this year
- Iran war
- Disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz
- Affected countries
- Pakistan, Bangladesh, Poland, South Korea, Japan and the Netherlands used more coal
- Netherlands
- Used more coal than in both 2024 and 2025
- Future coal use
- Walter expects the current increase to be temporary
What people are saying
Gas and coal-fired power plants can therefore cover for each other.
When gas prices are high, you would rather burn coal.
In the short term, countries add a bit of coal so the lights do not go out.
In the long term, we counter that with solar and wind energy.