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Hard coal remained the fastest-growing primary energy source in 2009. It covered 31% of the world’s hunger for energy. The Pacific region above all utilised electricity from coal-fired power plants to promote its growth.
The IEA predicts that by 2030 – by which time the world’s population will have risen by 1.5 billion to 8.2 billion – coal consumption will have increased by about 2 billion tonnes, above all in the Asian region. The generation of electric power in the world using coal will rise from today’s approximately 40% to 45% by 2030. Total coal consumption will presumably increase from 6.1 billion tonnes today to 8.0 billion tonnes.
“Green” coal is possible
More efficient power plants must be developed and built so that the increasing use of coal for power generation can be made environmentally friendly. CSS technologies in fossil fuel-fired power plants are being pushed forward. The required legal framework for this must be created by 2011 in accordance with EU requirements.
Germany and Europe can demand CO2 reductions from the rest of the world only if they themselves can convert coal into electric power cleanly and efficiently by developing and utilising improved technologies. Otherwise, neither Germany nor Europe will enjoy any credibility with threshold and developing countries.
But Germany has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions from the firing of hard coal over the long term by 80% as of 2050 by modernising its power plants and employing CCS technologies, enabling it to live up to its role as a model such as that in the utilisation of energy from renewable sources. The IEA urges in a press statement of 15 June 2010 on a rapid expansion of CCS systems. Seaborne world trade in hard coal is growing despite of economic crisis
Seaborne world trade in hard coal grew by 20 million tonnes to 859 million tonnes in 2009. Capacity utilisation at the export-oriented mines was very high. In comparison with 2008, prices declined sharply by 54%.
For 2010 a further growth in demand for overseas coal, especially in Asia is expected.
Imports to Germany feel the effects of the economic crisis in 2009
Import quantities were substantially affected by the economic downswing in 2009. Industry’s demand for electric power declined, and the steel economy collapsed. These two factors resulted in substantially lower coal consumption of 11 million TCE. Imports also noted a decline of 8 million tonnes. Since coal is a form of energy used primarily by industry, this energy source was hit hardest.
The border-crossing price for steam coal fell from €112/TCE in 2008 to €79/TCE in 2009. A further decline to €75/TCE occurred in the first quarter of 2010.
Imports to Germany declining in 2010
Despite the continued decline in domestic production of 1 million tonnes, only a slight revitalisation of import activity is expected in 2010. The improved business conditions in the steel industry, however, will undoubtedly lead to higher import quantities for coking coal and coke. The demand for steam coal will rise only moderately, but the stockpiles of German coal and imported coal must first be reduced.
Coal imports of about 40–42 million tonnes are expected for 2010. During the first quarter of 2010, hard coal consumption rose by 18% to 16.5 million TCE.
Coal Importers Association represents 85% of German coal consumption
The Association currently has 71 members who consume about 85% of the German requirements for hard coal of approximately 57 million tonnes in their facilities. Imported coal covers more than 70% of Germany’s coal requirements.
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