Coal Consumption Reaches Record Levels in 2023

In 2023, coal pollution in the Western Balkans surged due to government inaction, with sulphur dioxide emissions from coal plants exceeding legal limits by 5.7 times, according to a report by Bankwatch. This reflects a deterioration from 2022 as countries fail to implement plans for phasing out coal, particularly in North Macedonia. Meanwhile, India reported a 5.85% increase in coal production for fiscal year 2024-25, reaching 411.62 million tonnes, as the sector adapts to energy demands despite adverse weather. Concurrently, West Virginia residents faced a 30% rise in electricity prices since 2013, largely driven by reliance on inefficient coal plants, while income growth lagged at just 10%. Globally, coal consumption hit a record high in 2023, with Asia-Pacific nations, especially China and India, leading the surge, as they accounted for 80% of production. Despite decarbonization efforts, coal remains a significant part of the energy landscape, constituting 26% of total energy consumption worldwide.