Coal in Europe

Coal power generation in the European Union (EU) has decreased by almost one-third since 2012, consistent with their commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Anthracite and bituminous coal are of relatively high value compared to lignite and peat, which have lower energy and higher moisture content.

It is an initiative that provides a platform for dialogue among governments, businesses, trade unions, NGOs, and academia, promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

But Poland, despite emitting 60 million tonnes less than Germany and having 42 EU-ETS member facilities[clarification needed], is the most coal-reliant of any EU nation.

[12] In February 2024, the European Commission approved a €300 million Polish scheme to aid workers affected by the closure of coal- and lignite-fired power plants and mines.

Coal has been linked to acid rain, smog pollution, respiratory diseases, mining accidents, reduced agricultural yields, and climate change.

Proponents of this approach argue that it can effectively eliminate coal's contributions to climate change, while opponents doubt whether it can be accomplished on a large scale.

[18] On 20 June 2022, Dutch Climate and Energy Minister Rob Jetten announced that the Netherlands would remove all restrictions on the operation of coal-fired power stations until at least 2024 in response to Russia's refusal to export natural gas to the country.