Coal consumption to top oil by 2020

Coal consumption is projected to surpass oil by 2020 due to a significant increase in demand from China. According to Wood Mackenzie, China's demand will drive a 25% rise in coal consumption, making it the dominant global fuel.

By 2020, coal consumption is expected to reach 4,500 million tonnes of oil equivalent, according to Wood Mackenzie. This increase is largely driven by China's growing energy needs.

China plays a crucial role in the global coal market as its demand is expected to almost single-handedly propel coal to become the dominant global fuel. This is due to China's significant energy requirements and the availability of coal.

Coal is considered a dominant global fuel because it is plentiful and readily available, unlike some alternatives. This makes it a reliable energy source, especially for countries like China with high energy demands.

By the end of the decade, it is expected that half of the power plants built will be coal-fired. This trend is driven by the increasing demand for coal as a primary energy source.

The forecast for coal consumption growth was provided by Wood Mackenzie, a consultancy firm. Their analysis highlights the significant impact of Chinese demand on the global coal market.

William Durbin, president of global markets at Wood Mackenzie, stated that China's demand will almost single-handedly drive the growth of coal as the dominant global fuel, emphasizing its availability and abundance.

Coal is more plentiful and available compared to many other energy alternatives, making it a preferred choice for countries with high energy demands, such as China. This availability contributes to its status as a dominant global fuel.