This Policy Briefing paper on Coal, developed in the context of the global climate debate is intended to inform the global WWF network and the public on a variety of issues that are pertinent to a global energy transition to clean renewables and energy efficiency.Our focus in this paper is on coal for energy (thermal coal and lignite) as it has seen the highest absolute growth of any energy source over the past decade. It also has the highest CO2 emissions intensity among all the fossil fuels when combusted and is currently the largest single source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
Coal-fired power plants account for just 40% of global electricity production, but they are responsible for more than 70% of its emissions. Coal for energy represents about 85% of all coal consumed. The remainder is mainly coking (metallurgical) coal used, primarily, for steel production, which deserves a separate, more nuanced debate. The need for infrastructure steel, particularly in developing countries, deserves more leeway until the time when alternative solutions are available.
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