Conclusions and summary for policymakers

The world has relied upon coal for a significant portion of its primary energy production since the Industrial Revolution. Major emerging, industrialised, and transitional economies—and hence the global economy— will continue to benefit from and be dependent on coal energy resources for the foreseeable future. As of 2013, coal supplied 29% of total global primary energy supply, 41% of global electricity, and over 70% of the world’s steel and aluminum. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that global coal production will continue to grow through 2020 despite China’s efforts to moderate consumption, driven largely by demand growth in China and India (IEA, 2015a, IEA 2015b, World Coal Association 2014).

Sustainable Development Goals:

Affordable and Clean Energy

Responsible Consumption and Production

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions