(Ecofin Agency) – Faced with the energy crisis, the issue of energy transition seems to be relegated to the background, while the demand for coal is increasing, especially in rich countries.
According to the International Energy Agency, with the increase in global demand for coal, it will reach a record level in a context of energy crisis. The agency also expects it to stabilize in the coming years, especially in the absence of larger efforts to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy.
African coal consumption should, according to the organization, experience a moderate decline to reach 180 Mt, a level close to that of 2021 (189 Mt). The persistent weakness of demand in South Africa is believed to be the cause. The country accounts for approximately 88% of coal consumption in Africa. The country’s drop in consumption is mainly linked to the pressure it is under from rich countries to abandon the fuel.
It should be noted that paradoxically these rich countries, mostly European, have experienced an increase in their consumption. The IEA report indicates that coal consumption in the European Union jumped by 14% in 2021 and is expected to increase in 2022.
Abdullah Diop
