Coal's comeback threatens global goals for fighting climate change

Countries are turning back to less expensive but carbon-heavy coal because of rising energy costs and Russia's war in Ukraine.
With the war in Ukraine restricting Europe's access to Russian energy, Germany is among the nations seeking alternative fuels for generating electricity, including more coal.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

The current coal boom doesn't mean the industry will fire up production anytime soon

Jun 10, 2022
The price of coal has risen due to a surge in global demand. Still, signs point toward a continued decline for the U.S. coal sector.
David Byrd looks out over a large pile of coal in his backyard. He sells the pieces to customers for heating or to blacksmiths who need a higher quality than what power plants typically use.
Justin Hicks/Louisville Public Media

Coal prices are way up and long-term commitments from customers are hard to find

Jun 2, 2022
Traditionally, when coal prices spike, many plants switch to natural gas. But with natural gas prices at record highs too, some power providers are at a loss.
A bird flies by emissions from a coal plant in Ohio in 2019. Coal prices in central Appalachia have already more than doubled over the past year.
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

U.S. coal isn't counting on Europe for a comeback

May 17, 2022
The coal industry's decline over the last decade has made scaling up tough, even as prices surge.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Coal, the dirtiest of the fossil fuels, is in high demand

Apr 26, 2022
While coal is having a resurgence as a fuel source, the spike in its use may not last.
People line up for ice cream in Cheswick, Pennsylvania, near a coal-burning power station. Existing coal plants in the U.S. are being used more, though that’s likely only temporary.
Jeff Swenson/Getty Images

For Europe, quitting Russian coal will be easier than quitting Russian natural gas

Apr 5, 2022
Russia supplies more of the EU's oil and gas than it does coal.
A storage site for a coal-fired power plant in Duisburg, Germany, on April 5. The European Union recently banned imports of Russian coal.
Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images

Coal prices are high as stockpiles hit new lows

Nov 30, 2021
Coal producers are reluctant to ramp up production because it takes a lot of money. And who knows how long demand will last?
A labor shortage is, in part, limiting a ramp up in coal production.
George Frey/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

U.S., other countries cut funding for international fossil fuel projects

Nov 4, 2021
Instead, they'll put about $18 billion a year into renewable energy projects.
On Thursday, more than 20 countries pledged to redirect investments from fossil fuels to clean energy. Above, signage inside the COP26 United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland.
Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

Coal prices are rising, but producers can't keep up with demand

Oct 7, 2021
Coal, far from being phased out in many countries, is a stand-in for natural gas — which is also very expensive right now.
Piles of coal at a Chinese mine. Production of the carbon-intensive fuel has been cut back, contributing to the increase in its price.
Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images

What's behind China's power cuts?

Oct 5, 2021
China has more than enough coal underground to service the country's needs.
There are more than 50 cap and trade programs across the world to address carbon emissions.
Kevin Frayer via Getty Images