Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Global Coal Demand Peaks Before Gradual Decline
Coal has been a big part of making electricity for many years.
But now, because it causes a lot of pollution, many countries are trying to use less of it.
The International Energy Agency says that the use of coal will stop growing and start to go down a little bit over the next five years.
This is because more people are using solar and wind power instead.
China uses the most coal in the world, and India is also a big user.
Both countries are trying to use less coal, but it's not easy.
Some countries, like the UK, France, and Spain, have already stopped using coal or are planning to.
So, even though coal is still important, it looks like it will be used less in the future.
Global coal demand is expected to peak in 2025 at 8,845 million tonnes before declining by 3% by 2030.
Renewables, including solar and wind, have overtaken coal in power generation for the first time in 2025.
China is the largest consumer and producer of coal, accounting for more than half of global consumption.
India's coal power generation is expected to decline in 2025 due to a strong monsoon season boosting hydropower.
India is pushing for coal self-reliance with a production target of 140 million tonnes by 2030, but still imports high-grade coal.
- Who
- International Energy Agency (IEA), China, India, advanced economies
- What
- Global coal demand has peaked and is expected to decline gradually
- When
- Peak in 2025, decline by 2030
- Where
- Globally, with significant focus on China and India
- Why
- Due to the rise of renewables and environmental concerns
- Global Coal Demand
- 8,845 million tonnes (2025)
- Projected Decline
- 3% by 2030
- China's Coal Consumption
- More than half of global consumption
- India's Coal Production (2024-25)
- 1,058 million tonnes
- India's Coal Imports (2024-25)
- 48.6 million tonnes (imported coal-based power plants)
- Renewables Overtake Coal
- 2025
- India's Coal Production Target (2030)
- 140 million tonnes (Mission Coking Coal)