BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 19. Global coal-fired electricity generation rose by 1.7% in 2023, adding 175 terawatt-hours (TWh) to the grid and corresponding to 192 million tons (Mt) of coal demand, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Trend reports.
Despite record growth in renewable energy, which added 426 TWh, coal power remained the largest electricity source, accounting for over 35% of global output.
Declines in coal-fired generation in the US (down 169 TWh) and the EU (down 133 TWh) were more than offset by increases in China (up 347 TWh) and India (up 125 TWh). Total global electricity generation grew by 2.4% to 29,898 TWh in 2023.
In 2024, global electricity generation is expected to grow by 4.4% to reach 31,099 TWh, driven primarily by China and India. While China’s additional demand is anticipated to be met largely through renewable energy, India is projected to rely heavily on coal due to reduced hydropower availability earlier in the year. Global coal-fired power generation is forecast to grow by 1.0%, or 104 TWh, for the year.
Looking ahead to 2027, coal demand for power generation is expected to stabilize at around 6,000 Mt. Renewables, bolstered by the rapid expansion of low-cost solar PV capacity, along with nuclear and gas-fired power, are projected to grow steadily. These sources are set to meet the rising electricity demand, but coal-fired power generation will likely remain at 2023 levels through the forecast period.
Despite coal's enduring role, its share of the global electricity mix is expected to decline to just over 31% by 2027—the lowest level recorded by the IEA.