Coal use set to hit all-time high in 2022 amid energy crisis: IEA

Ukraine war, high natural gas prices drive demand; renewable use also up

The world's coal consumption is set to top 8 billion tonnes for the first time this year, breaking the previous record set in 2013, the International Energy Agency said on Dec. 16. © Reuters

RURIKA IMAHASHI, Nikkei staff writer

December 16, 2022 18:22 JST

TOKYO -- Global coal consumption is expected to reach an all-time high in 2022 amid the ongoing energy crisis, according to a report by the International Energy Agency released on Friday.

Total use is set to rise 1.2% this year, surpassing 8 billion tonnes in a single year for the first time, according to the report. The previous record was set in 2013, due to strong demand from China.