13:00 - 1.08.2026

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August 1, Fineko/abc.az. According to the Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy 2026, global coal consumption reached 166 exajoules (EJ) in 2025.

More than every second tonne of coal burned globally is consumed by China.

Top 3 Consumers:

• China: Over 50% of global consumption;

• India: 23.1% (rapidly growing demand);

• United States: 8.7% (decline driven by coal-to-gas switching and renewables expansion).

Regional Breakdown:

• Asia (excl. China & India): Japan (4.4%), Australia (1.5%), Malaysia (1.1%), Vietnam and Philippines (0.9% each), Thailand (0.6%), Pakistan (0.5%).

• North America: 5.5% (combining Canada and Mexico).

• Europe: Just 3.3%.

• Africa: 2.7% (with South Africa accounting for 3.7% in overall global share structure).

• South America: A modest 0.7% (Brazil at 0.5%).

Global coal consumption remains heavily concentrated between two Asian powerhouses. China and India together account for nearly three-quarters of total world demand. While Europe and North America shift toward cleaner energy alternatives, Asia continues to rely on coal as a primary engine for economic growth.