popular articles

Demand for air conditioning prolongs coal-fired power plant operation

Global demand for electricity, driven by the growing need for air conditioning, is keeping coal-fired power plants running despite the rise of renewable energies, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
augmentation demande électricité climatiseurs IA

Please share:

Global demand for electricity is experiencing unprecedented growth due to rising global temperatures, stimulating the use of air conditioners.
TheInternational Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts a 4% increase in electricity consumption in 2024, the highest since 2007.
This trend is set to continue in 2025, with growth driven by intense heat waves and rapid urbanization in countries such as India and China.
Countries such as India should see their demand grow by 8% in 2024, while China will record a 6% increase.
This growing demand puts pressure on power grids to maintain a reliable supply, often provided by coal-fired power plants due to their ability to respond quickly to peaks in consumption.

Impact of Renewable Technologies and Energies

At the same time, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and the growth of data centers are adding a new dimension to energy demand.
The energy requirements of these infrastructures raise questions about energy efficiency and demand management.
Renewable energies continue to grow, accounting for 35% of global supply in 2025, up from 30% in 2023.
However, despite this increase, coal is expected to remain a key energy source in 2024, due to the current limitations of renewable infrastructures to manage variations in demand.

Carbon emissions and environmental impact

The IEA forecasts a stabilization of carbon emissions from the global energy sector, with a slight increase expected this year before a decline in 2025.
This projection underlines the resilience of fossil fuels despite global efforts to reduce emissions and develop green energies.
Maintaining coal-fired power plants is often justified by the need to guarantee a stable power supply during periods of high demand.
However, this situation poses major environmental challenges, requiring more robust energy policies to effectively integrate renewables and reduce emissions.
The rapid growth in electricity demand, driven in particular by air conditioning and AI, underlines the importance of a balanced and sustainable energy transition.
Efforts to increase the share of renewable energies must be stepped up to meet this demand while minimizing environmental impacts.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

India’s coal-fired electricity generation drops 9.5% in May, steepest decline in five years

India’s unprecedented drop in power demand led to a sharp decline in coal-based generation in May, while renewable energy output reached a record high.
Greenpeace data shows a renewed wave of coal projects in early 2025, as renewable capacity surpasses thermal energy for the first time.
Greenpeace data shows a renewed wave of coal projects in early 2025, as renewable capacity surpasses thermal energy for the first time.
Financial giant BlackRock highlights economic and strategic risks linked to an antitrust procedure backed by Washington, targeting major asset managers accused of conspiring to reduce coal production in the United States.
Financial giant BlackRock highlights economic and strategic risks linked to an antitrust procedure backed by Washington, targeting major asset managers accused of conspiring to reduce coal production in the United States.
Adani Power will supply 1,500 MW to Uttar Pradesh through an ultra-supercritical coal power plant built under the DBFOO model, at a tariff of Rs 5.383 per unit.
Adani Power will supply 1,500 MW to Uttar Pradesh through an ultra-supercritical coal power plant built under the DBFOO model, at a tariff of Rs 5.383 per unit.

Australian coal mines emit 40% more methane than reported, according to EMBER and KAYRROS

A satellite analysis led by Ember and Kayrros shows that methane emissions from Australian mines are 40% higher than official reports, revealing significant gaps in the current coal sector monitoring.
Donald Trump issues several executive orders aimed at reducing regulations on the U.S. coal industry, addressing economic expectations from coal-producing states while securing national energy supply.
Donald Trump issues several executive orders aimed at reducing regulations on the U.S. coal industry, addressing economic expectations from coal-producing states while securing national energy supply.
Backed by Chinese funding, Zambia and Zimbabwe are reviving coal projects in contrast to international energy sector trends.
Backed by Chinese funding, Zambia and Zimbabwe are reviving coal projects in contrast to international energy sector trends.
New coal-fired electricity capacity added in 2024 dropped to 44 GW, driven mainly by China and India, according to a report released on Thursday.
New coal-fired electricity capacity added in 2024 dropped to 44 GW, driven mainly by China and India, according to a report released on Thursday.

Finland: Helen ends coal use with closure of Salmisaari power plant

Finnish energy company Helen has halted operations at the Salmisaari plant, the country’s last coal facility, halving its carbon dioxide emissions in one year.
An independent study suggests that the Hail Creek mine may emit up to eight times more methane than reported in Glencore's official disclosures.
An independent study suggests that the Hail Creek mine may emit up to eight times more methane than reported in Glencore's official disclosures.
Eskom has connected Unit 6 of the Kusile coal-fired power station, adding 800 MW to the national grid amid efforts to stabilise electricity supply in South Africa.
Eskom has connected Unit 6 of the Kusile coal-fired power station, adding 800 MW to the national grid amid efforts to stabilise electricity supply in South Africa.
The Indian government presents a project to create a coal exchange for the domestic market, a measure aimed at improving transparency and regulating the local coal market.
The Indian government presents a project to create a coal exchange for the domestic market, a measure aimed at improving transparency and regulating the local coal market.

The United States withdraws from energy transition plan with South Africa

The United States has announced its withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa, thereby reducing the country’s international financial commitments in its gradual exit from coal.
Indonesia sets a floor price for coal to strengthen its control over domestic prices and influence international markets. This new strategy will take effect on March 1, 2025.
Indonesia sets a floor price for coal to strengthen its control over domestic prices and influence international markets. This new strategy will take effect on March 1, 2025.
Indonesia continues to strengthen its dependence on coal, jeopardizing its greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments. This paradox is highlighted in a recent report, emphasizing the tension between environmental goals and economic realities.
Indonesia continues to strengthen its dependence on coal, jeopardizing its greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments. This paradox is highlighted in a recent report, emphasizing the tension between environmental goals and economic realities.
Australian mining giant BHP saw its net profit multiply fivefold, reaching $4.4 billion, despite an 8% drop in revenue. Sustained demand and signs of recovery in China strengthen its outlook.
Australian mining giant BHP saw its net profit multiply fivefold, reaching $4.4 billion, despite an 8% drop in revenue. Sustained demand and signs of recovery in China strengthen its outlook.

China starts new coal plants, jeopardizing its climate goals

In 2024, China began building new coal power plants, a decision that threatens its goal of reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030, according to a report published by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (Crea) and Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
By the end of 2024, coal's share in Australia's electricity generation dropped below 50%, a historic first, thanks to the surge in solar energy production.
By the end of 2024, coal's share in Australia's electricity generation dropped below 50%, a historic first, thanks to the surge in solar energy production.
In the midst of prolonged tensions with Russia, Ukraine offers to provide free coal to Transnistria, a pro-Russian region of Moldova, to alleviate an energy crisis worsened by the cutoff of Russian gas supplies.
In the midst of prolonged tensions with Russia, Ukraine offers to provide free coal to Transnistria, a pro-Russian region of Moldova, to alleviate an energy crisis worsened by the cutoff of Russian gas supplies.
The Pokrovsk mine, Ukraine's sole coke producer, closes under Russian military pressure. This decision threatens the steel industry, the economy, and Ukraine's strategic logistics.
The Pokrovsk mine, Ukraine's sole coke producer, closes under Russian military pressure. This decision threatens the steel industry, the economy, and Ukraine's strategic logistics.

China Plans 330 Million Tons of Coal Imports in 2025

China confirms its central role in the Asian coal market with a forecast of 330 million tons of coal imports in 2025, according to an Australian report.
Australia revises its metallurgical coal export forecast to reach 163 million tons for the 2024-25 fiscal year. However, revenues are expected to decline due to falling global market prices.
Australia revises its metallurgical coal export forecast to reach 163 million tons for the 2024-25 fiscal year. However, revenues are expected to decline due to falling global market prices.
Global coal demand peaked at 8.77 billion tons in 2024. Thanks to the rise of renewable energy, it is expected to stabilize by 2027, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Global coal demand peaked at 8.77 billion tons in 2024. Thanks to the rise of renewable energy, it is expected to stabilize by 2027, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
In China, Harbin Electric Corporation inaugurates a 660 MW ultra-supercritical coal-fired CFB boiler, blending technological innovation and ecological management. A project that raises questions as coal declines globally.
In China, Harbin Electric Corporation inaugurates a 660 MW ultra-supercritical coal-fired CFB boiler, blending technological innovation and ecological management. A project that raises questions as coal declines globally.

Advertising