Hard coal consumption rises by 4% in Jan-Sep

The consumption of hard coal increased by four per cent in January to September this year 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 1.2 million tonnes, corresponding to 31 petajoules in energy content.

In January to September, 59 per cent less hard coal was consumed than on average during this millennium.

In the third quarter, 44 per cent more hard coal was consumed than in the corresponding period of the year before.

The consumption of hard coal increased in the third quarter both in the production of electricity and heat and in manufacturing.

The use of hard coal grew particularly in September, which was cooler than in the year before.

Changes in the price ratios of the fuel markets were also visible in the demand for hard coal in early autumn. In the first half of 2021, three per cent less hard coal was consumed than in the corresponding period of the year before.

Energy consumption in Finland typically fluctuates seasonally. Some of the fluctuation in the consumption of hard coal is also explained by the natural variation in the need for electricity and heat between the summer and winter seasons.

The difference between individual statistical reference years can be explained by variations in the demand for heating energy caused by the weather. However, a declining trend can be detected in the consumption of hard coal for several years.

The use of fossil fuels has been replaced by renewable energy. The decrease in the consumption of coal is affected by the ban on the use of coal for energy, which will enter into force in 2029.

At the end of September, the stocks of coal amounted to 1.6 million tonnes. Compared with one year back, the stocks were 23 per cent lower.