IEA Cuts Coal Growth Outlook in Half as China Peaks

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has dramatically scaled back its outlook for coal demand growth over the next 25 years, Carbon Brief analysis shows.

The 2016 World Energy Outlook sees global coal demand rise by 214 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) by 2040, less than half the 485Mtoe increase it expected last year.  The IEA is also now persuaded that Chinese coal demand peaked in 2013.

Nonetheless, its central outlook sees coal use in 2040 being more than twice as high as needed for a 2C path.  This coal disparity is the largest obstacle to meeting global climate goals, the report shows.

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