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Coal and lignite production

In 2021, the world’s coal output expanded by 5.7% (just above the 2019 pre-pandemic level), following the rebound in global demand.

Coal and lignite production

In 2021, the world’s coal output expanded by 5.7% (just above the 2019 pre-pandemic level), following the rebound in global demand.

Breakdown by country (Mt)
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World

Trend over 1990 - 2021 - Mt

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% in total production (2021) - Mtoe

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+17%


Increase in coal production in Germany in 2021.

In 2021, the world’s coal output expanded by 5.7% (just above the 2019 pre-pandemic level), following the rebound in global demand.

Europe’s coal production increased by 11.9% in 2021, owing to higher electricity demand and steep gas prices, with +17.7% in Germany, +6.9% in Poland and +15% in Turkey. Output also grew strongly in CIS (+7.4%, including + 8.8% in Russia) and in North America (+8%). Asian coal-producing countries, which account for almost 70% of global coal output, expanded their production by 6.1%, with +9.8% in India, as the country is willing to reduce its import dependency, +7.7% in Indonesia and +5.1%% in China. Coal output declined significantly in Australia (-7.3%) due to China’s unofficial import ban and production issues. China remained the world’s largest coal and lignite producer in 2021, accounting for half (49.5%) of supply, followed by India (10%) and Indonesia (7%).

Global Energy Trends - 2022 Edition

An in-depth analysis of the past year’s key figures, with projections related to the current context (post-pandemic rebound and the energy crisis due to the war in Ukraine).

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Global Energy & CO2 Data

Need more data? All the information presented in this energy data tool are extracted from Global Energy & CO2 Data service, the most comprehensive and up-to-date database on coal and lignite. Access to the whole coal value chain information: reserves, production, trade, prices, consumption per sector and indicators.

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