Kolkonsumtion

Kolkonsumtion, or coal consumption, refers to the amount of coal used for energy production and industrial processes. It is commonly reported in units such as million tonnes of coal equivalent (Mtce) or terawatt-hours (TWh). Coal consumption is a key input in electricity generation and in certain industrial sectors, including steel production with metallurgical coal.

Globally, coal consumption is concentrated in a few regions. Major consumers include China and India in Asia, with significant use also in the United States and parts of Europe. In many high-income countries, coal’s share in electricity generation has fallen over the past decade due to competition from natural gas and renewables, along with emissions policies. By contrast, several developing economies rely on coal to meet growing demand for electricity and industrial output.

The drivers of coal consumption include fuel prices, the level of electrification, policy frameworks, and availability of alternatives. Environmental concerns are central to policy discussions, as coal combustion releases CO2 and contributes to air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and particulates, with implications for climate change and public health.

Efforts to reduce kolkonsumtion generally involve a combination of carbon pricing, restrictions on coal plants, investments in renewable energy and grid flexibility, and initiatives to support workers in transition. The term itself underscores both the energy role of coal and the ongoing debates about its environmental and economic costs.