Coal Industry Facts

Coal is a vital global energy source

• Coal represents more than 25% of global primary international energy consumption

and generates approximately 40% of the world’s electricity.

• The United States produces approximately 20% of the world’s coal (1.1 billion tons

annually) and is the second largest global coal producer, surpassed only by China.

• As of 2006, the United States controlled over a quarter (approximately 27.1%) of the

total remaining global coal reserves.

• Technologies focused on lowering emissions of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrous

oxide, mercury, and fine particulates will help ensure that coal remains a key fuel for

global electric power generation.

• Coal demand is expected to double by 2030, largely due to rapid expansion in China.

Links to coal industry resources: