Global coal demand growth slows in 2024 as renewables expand

Global coal demand grew at a slower pace in 2024, rising by 1.1% or 67 million tonnes of coal equivalent (Mtce) in energy terms, as intense heat fueled electricity consumption but expanding renewable energy sources tempered overall coal usage, according to the latest Global Energy Review by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The rise was only half of the previous year's growth rate and the lowest since 2021, according to the IEA report. While coal remains the world's dominant power source, its share in the global electricity mix fell to 35%, the lowest since the IEA was founded in 1974. Developing Asia continued