Why the End Is in Sight for Coal
Renewable energy and climate policy are taking down the world’s dirtiest energy source
Twenty years ago, coal was the backbone of the U.S. grid. It provided almost half of total electricity generation — more than natural gas and nuclear combined. Furthermore, the role of coal in the electricity grid had remained relatively stable for decades.
Then, the coal industry took a nosedive. Addition of new coal capacity dropped to essentially zero. Meanwhile, old coal plants were being retired at a record pace, often years ahead of schedule.
Over the previous two decades, coal’s share of total generation declined to around 20%, with little sign of stopping.
In their most recent report, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected that it would continue to decline to 11% of total generation by 2050.
Most likely, the decline will be even faster. The EIA has historically under-estimated how quickly coal would fall, and it is likely this will continue to the be the case.
Decline Expands Globally
Other developed countries have experienced even more dramatic transitions. Coal accounted for 40% of U.K. electricity in 2012, but had fallen to less than 2% by 2020.
