Coal-fired electricity generation

1. Accounts for 39% of world electricity production – the most important source of electricity in OECD and non-OECD.

2. Accounts for more than 50% of electricity generation in Australia, China, India, Australia, Eastern Europe and the USA.

3. Coal expected to remain the most important source of electricity through to 2030. Capacity will grow by 120% (two-thirds of this in developing countries) – $1.3 trillion of investment.

4. Predominantly domestic good: 3% traded.

Projected world electricity production to 2030, by fuel source

Source: World Energy Outlook 2004, IEA

0

5 000

10 000

15 000

20 000

25 000

30 000

2002 2010 2020 2030

TWh Solar/Wind

CombustibleRenewables & Waste

Geothermal

Hydro

Nuclear

Gas

Liquid Fuels

Coal

Coal-fired electricity emissions1. 70% of all power sector electricity and heat

emissions.

2. 15.8% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions (22% for electricity and heat).

3. Projected to rise 60% by 2030 with developing countries accounting for 90% of this growth.

4. Higher plant thermal efficiencies are the key to achieving lower emissions intensities.

5. CO2 emissions intensities vary significantly: Japan’s is 35% lower than India’s.

Coal-fired electricity generation CO2 emissions intensities by region, 2002

700

800

900

1 000

1 100

1 200

Japa

n

Kor

ea US

A

Latin

Am

eric

a

Mid

dle

Eas

t

Can

ada

S&

E A

sia

Afr

ica

Wes

tE

urop

e

Chi

na

Aus

/NZ

FSU

Eas

t Eur

ope

Indi

a

kg CO2/ MWh

Scope for progress

1. In 2002, average thermal efficiency in the OECD was 36%, in developing countries it was 30%. In 2030, expected to rise to 40% and 36% respectively.

2. State-of-the-art pulverised plants have efficiencies as high as 47%. IGCC (gasification) plants 50%. Thermal efficiencies of up to 56% is believed to be possible.

3. If all regions were to achieve the same efficiency level of Japan emissions could be reduced by 17% in 2020.

4. Major barrier to reducing emissions: capital costs.

5. Capture and storage technologies is probably 10 years off. Major technical and cost challenges.