Concerns aside, global coal usage will grow substantially for many years

摘要

Concerns about carbon dioxide emissions and intensified, opposition from environmental groups won't be enough to slow the worldwide expansion of steam coal consumption if Hill & Associates' long-term projections are accurate. Hill's numbers out to 2025, indicate major consuming regions will see steady increases in coal use as power demand also rises consistently. Jeff Watkins, head of coal consulting for Hill & Associates, an affiliate of Wood Mackenzie, said thermal coal trade in the Pacific Rim will rise from 435 million metric tonnes in 2008, to approximately 640 million tonnes in 2025, and climb from 220 million tonnes to 285 million tonnes in the Atlantic Basin during the same period.