How coal production and use has changed in Europe

Aug 19, 2021

Coal production and use in the European Union fell by a third between 2018 and 2020 as renewables and natural gas replaced fossil fuels, finds Eurostat. Image: Unsplash/Dominik Vanyi

Victoria Masterson

Senior Writer, Forum Agenda

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The number of EU member states producing hard coal fell from 12 in 1990 to two in 2020. Source: Coal production and consumption

The number of EU member states producing hard coal fell from 12 in 1990 to two in 2020. Image: Eurostat

The use of brown coal fell a further 33% between 2018 and 2020. Source: Coal production and consumption

The use of brown coal fell a further 33% between 2018 and 2020. Image: Eurostat

Demand from China and Asia is predicted to reverse declining demand for coal. Source: Global Energy Review 2021 Image: International Energy Agency

On the narrow path to net zero by 2025, the challenges are many and complex. Image: International Energy Agency

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