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Planned coal mine capacity rises 11% as new starts slow sharply

Global Energy Monitor data show proposed coal capacity climbed 11% last year while commissioning dropped nearly 40%, widening the gap between future pipeline and expected demand.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Energy

Planned coal mining capacity increased 11% last year, even as commissioning of new capacity fell nearly 40%, according to Global Energy Monitor (GEM) using data from its Global Coal Mine Tracker.

GEM said the rise in proposed capacity was driven largely by India, where planned capacity doubled over the year. The report also highlighted that clean energy continues to erode coal’s share of global electricity generation.

Tiffany Means, a senior researcher at GEM and co-author of the report, said the economic case for expanding coal mining is getting weaker as low cost clean power displaces coal. GEM also pointed to expectations that coal demand will decline by 2030.

GEM warned that many projects remain in early stages, with about 70% of proposed projects in pre permit or construction, leaving room for governments and investors to prevent additional capacity from advancing. The report noted policy and market pressures in other major producing countries, including China’s 44% fall in capacity additions and Australia’s 96% decline, alongside changing clean power dynamics.

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