World coal facts 2008

Coal provides 26% of global primary energy needs and generates 41% of the world’s electricity.

Brown coal production increased by 0.85% in 2007. Germany remains the world’s largest brown coal producer, with production increasing by around 2% in 2007. Brown coal production also increased in Turkey, Australia, India and Indonesia.

Coal reserves are available in almost every country worldwide, with recoverable reserves in around 70 countries. At current production levels, proven coal reserves are estimated to last 133 years. In contrast, proven oil and gas reserves are equivalent to around 42 and 60 years' use. Over 67% of oil and 66% of gas reserves are concentrated in the Middle East and Russia.

Approximately 13% (around 717Mt) of total hard coal production is currently used by the steel industry and almost 70% of total global steel production is dependent on coal.

Since 1986, seaborne steam coal trade has increased on average by about 7.5% per annum and seaborne coking coal trade by 1.8% p.a.

Source: World Coal Institute.

For more world coal industry statistics, visit: http://www.worldcoal.org/resources/coal-statistics/ 

For World Coal Institute Fact Sheet, see attachment.