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Coal and lignite domestic consumption

In 2021, the world’s coal consumption rose by 5.7%, surpassing its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1% thanks to rebound in global demand.

Coal and lignite domestic consumption

In 2021, the world’s coal consumption rose by 5.7%, surpassing its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1% thanks to rebound in global demand.

Breakdown by country (Mt)
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World

Trend over 1990 - 2021 - Mt

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% in total consumption (2021) - Mtep

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+11.9%


Strong rise in coal consumption in Europe.

In 2021, the world’s coal consumption rose by 5.7%, surpassing its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1% thanks to rebound in global demand.

Coal consumption expanded strongly in Western countries, due to the economic upturn and high gas prices, with +13.8% in North America (United States: +14.5%) and +11.9% in Europe, including +17.9% in Germany, +9.9% in Turkey. Growth in coal consumption was slower in Asia (+4.7%), with +6.6% in India, +5% in Japan and +4.6% in China. It stagnated in Indonesia (+0.9%) and South Korea (+0.2%). Most of the world’s coal and lignite consumption in 2021 took place in China (52%), followed by India (13%), the United States (6%) and the European Union (6%).

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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