EU annual hard coal consumption declines further

EU consumption of hard coal* saw a further 4% decline last year to 226 million tonnes, according to the latest EUROSTAT figures published today.

Gross inland consumption of hard coal in the EU decreased steadily during the 1990s and then stabilised at around 360 to 380 million tonnes for almost a decade. Following a sharp decline and a brief recovery between 2008 and 2012, consumption has continued to decrease. In 2018, consumption of hard coal was 54% below the level of 497 million tonnes in 1990.

The production of hard coal in the EU has also been falling year on year. In 2018, production stood at 74 million tonnes, 6% below the level in 2017 and 80% less than the 368 million tonnes in 1990.

EUROSTAT statistics explained: Coal production and consumption statistics   

* Hard coal includes anthracite, coking coal and other bituminous coal, but not brown coal or coal products