Hard coal consumption slides by 3% in H1

The consumption of hard coal decreased by three per cent in January to June 2021 compared with the corresponding period of last year, according to Statistics Finland.

The consumption of hard coal as a fuel in the generation of electricity and heat amounted to 0.926 million tonnes, corresponding to 24 petajoules in energy content. In January to June, 58 per cent less hard coal was consumed than on average during this millennium.

The consumption of hard coal grew in the first quarter due to the colder winter than in the year before.

In the second quarter of the year, the consumption of hard coal decreased by 15 per cent compared with the corresponding period of last year. Compared with one year ago, the consumption of hard coal contracted most in June, by 28 per cent.

Energy consumption in Finland typically fluctuates seasonally.

At the end of June, the stocks of coal amounted to 1.6 million tonnes. Compared with one year back, the stocks were 14 per cent lower.