Recent years have seen a renaissance in coal use as an energy source worldwide. This trend is largely due to geopolitical tensions, notably the attack on the Qatari Ras Laffan complex, which led to a major shortage of liquefied gas on global markets. Europe was forced to return to coal as gas became either unavailable or prohibitively expensive, while alternative sources remained unstable for base load electricity.
EU countries, especially Italy and Germany, have postponed the closure of coal power plants, declaring coal a strategic reserve in case of prolonged energy instability. Market forces that previously promoted decarbonization now support coal use. The rapid coal phase-out has ended in favor of national security and energy independence.
In the US, the Trump administration adopted a pragmatic approach by allocating funds to modernize coal infrastructure. Coal consumption grew for the first time in 15 years. In Asia, China and India continue to lead global coal consumption and improve technologies to increase energy system flexibility.
The demand for coal has stabilized at high levels, recognized as a necessary compromise for global economic resilience amid energy uncertainty. Coal today is seen as a strategic energy reserve and a flexible tool to support green energy.
