reliable. Unlike in the U.S., when they hit the switch at night, the lights don’t always come on. According to the International Energy Agency, 16% of the world’s population lacks access to electricity. Think about it... That’s approximately 1.2 billion people globally . That’s more than 3.5 times the number of people living in the U.S. today . But that is changing... As the economies in China and India continue to grow, their energy needs will skyrocket. And so will their need for coal... Remember, coal has powered the world for generations. Despite its flaws, it’s still an abundant, cheap source of energy. It’s dependable and easily stored and transported. Since 2000, coal consumption in countries not involved in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) – 35 members that share experiences and seek solutions to common problems – has soared. (China and India are the world’s top two coal- consuming countries that aren’t members of the OECD.) Meanwhile, as you can see from the following chart, consumption in OECD countries has remained relatively flat – and is projected to stay that way through 2040. As the developing world begins to seek the energy it needs to grow, thermal coal will play an integral role.
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