GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2023

Must-Know Coal Power Statistics [Recent Analysis]

Facts about this Market Data Report

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Highlights: The Most Important Coal Power Statistics

  • Coal-fired power plants are responsible for 30% of global CO2 emissions.
  • In the United States, coal power provided 50% of electricity generation in 2000, but only 23% in 2020.
  • By the end of 2022, 26 countries are expected to have no more coal power.
  • Global coal consumption is expected to decline by 7% in 2020.
  • Since 2010, the construction of new coal power plants has declined by over 85%.
  • Germany aims to phase out coal power by 2038.
  • Retiring existing coal plants and replacing them with renewable energy could save the United States up to $10 billion per year.
  • Coal power plants emit 1.4 times more CO2 per unit of energy compared to natural gas power plants.
  • The United States has retired around 62 GW of coal-fired power plants between 2014 and 2020.

Table of Contents

Coal power has been a major source of electricity generation for decades, and it continues to play an important role in the global energy mix. In this blog post, we will explore some key statistics about coal-fired power plants around the world. We'll look at how much electricity they generate globally, which countries are leading production and consumption of coal-powered energy, their contribution to CO2 emissions worldwide, recent trends in construction and retirement of these plants as well as other related facts. By understanding these figures better we can gain insight into the current state of our planet's reliance on fossil fuels like coal for its energy needs.

The Most Important Statistics
Coal-fired power plants are responsible for 30% of global CO2 emissions.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the immense environmental impact of coal-fired power plants. It highlights the urgent need to reduce our reliance on this form of energy production in order to mitigate the effects of climate change. It is a call to action for us to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy.

In the United States, coal power provided 50% of electricity generation in 2000, but only 23% in 2020.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the dramatic shift away from coal power in the United States over the past two decades. It highlights the need for a more sustainable energy source and the importance of transitioning away from coal power in order to reduce emissions and protect the environment.

Coal Power Statistics Overview

By the end of 2022, 26 countries are expected to have no more coal power.

This statistic is a beacon of hope for the future of our planet, as it shows that the world is taking steps to reduce its reliance on coal power. By the end of 2022, 26 countries will have taken the necessary steps to phase out coal power, which will have a positive impact on the environment. This is a major milestone in the fight against climate change and a sign that the world is taking the issue seriously.

Global coal consumption is expected to decline by 7% in 2020.

This statistic is a powerful indicator of the changing tides in the energy industry. It shows that the world is beginning to move away from coal as a primary source of energy, and towards more sustainable and renewable sources. This shift is essential for the health of our planet and the future of our species, and this statistic serves as a reminder of the importance of making the switch.

Since 2010, the construction of new coal power plants has declined by over 85%.

This statistic is a testament to the progress made in the fight against coal power. It shows that, in the past decade, the construction of new coal power plants has drastically decreased, indicating a shift away from this form of energy production. This is a positive sign for the environment, as coal power is a major contributor to air pollution and global warming.

Germany aims to phase out coal power by 2038.

This statistic is a game-changer in the context of coal power statistics, as it sets a clear timeline for the phasing out of coal power in Germany. It provides a benchmark for other countries to follow, and serves as a reminder that the world is moving away from coal power and towards more sustainable energy sources.

Retiring existing coal plants and replacing them with renewable energy could save the United States up to $10 billion per year.

This statistic is a powerful reminder of the potential economic benefits of transitioning away from coal power. It highlights the fact that investing in renewable energy sources could save the United States billions of dollars annually, making it a smart and cost-effective choice for the future.

Coal power plants emit 1.4 times more CO2 per unit of energy compared to natural gas power plants.

This statistic is a stark reminder of the environmental impact of coal power plants. It highlights the fact that coal power plants are significantly more polluting than natural gas power plants, releasing more than 40% more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere for the same amount of energy produced. This has serious implications for the climate, as the increased emissions contribute to global warming and climate change.

The United States has retired around 62 GW of coal-fired power plants between 2014 and 2020.

This statistic is a testament to the progress made in transitioning away from coal-fired power plants in the United States. It highlights the commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality, as well as the potential for further progress in the future. It is a powerful reminder that the fight against climate change is not a lost cause, and that we can make a difference if we take action.

Conclusion

The statistics presented in this blog post demonstrate the current state of coal power around the world. Despite a significant decrease in new construction and an increase in countries committing to phasing out coal-fired power plants, it is still responsible for 30% of global CO2 emissions and accounts for nearly 40% of electricity generation globally. China produces about half of all coal-powered energy while India has the third largest capacity at 229 GW. In Europe, 54% are losing money while Germany plans to phase out by 2038. The United States has retired 62 GW since 2014 but still relies on 23%. Coal consumption is expected to decline 7%, yet 230 gigawatts remain under construction worldwide as many countries continue their reliance on this form of energy production despite its environmental impacts.

References

0. - https://www.eia.gov

1. - https://www.iea.org

2. - https://www.sierraclub.org

3. - https://www.reuters.com

Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2020, approximately 34% of global electricity is generated from coal power plants.
There are around 2,400 operational coal power plants globally as of 2021.
China is the largest producer of electricity from coal power plants, generating about half of the world’s coal power.
The average efficiency rate of coal power plants is about 33% to 40%, with modern plants reaching up to 46% efficiency.
On average, coal power plants emit approximately 950-1000 kg of CO2 per MWh of electricity generated.
How we write these articles

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly. See our Editorial Guidelines.

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