Once upon a time the greatest economies in the world were fuelled almost entirely on coal. Even in the modern day a huge amount of electricity in the world is still derived from the burning of coal. In China, the worlds most populous country, a shocking 61% of their electricity is derived specifically from coal (let alone any other fossil fuels). But before you think China is entirely to blame for the continuing dominance of this toxic industry, both the US and India are also huge supporters of this industry with 210 and 282 coal plants each respectively.

Every stage of the coal industry is undeniably unsustainable from the obvious environmental effects almost too long to list but briefly comprising strip mining (the act of blowing the tops off mountains and clearing vast swathes of untouched wildlife), the poisoning of water courses and local water systems, the dispersion of vast clouds of toxic chemicals into the air we breathe. Or the often poorly paid, exploitative working practices the industry supports. Indeed, even the counter argument that coal mining is vital for the development of poorer rural economies has been recently disputed. With one recent academic study concluding that factoring in inflation, exchange rates, commodity price fluctuations, health costs, and the detrimental effects on fishing and agriculture that coal mining comes with significant economic damage.

But here is your good news for the day! It looks like the day the industry finally dies is on the horizon. With the meteoric growth of renewable energy both abroad and in our very own Cornwall it looks like coal fired power is finally being given a run for its money. Recent news has reported that it might be as soon as next year that globally renewable electricity surpasses coal-sourced. Moreover, before you think this is a bit too ambitious, this claim comes directly from the International Energy Agency (IEA) in the same press release where they reported that the world added 50% more renewable electricity generation in 2023 than in 2022. 

It has taken a while but the world is finally making the massive step in transitioning to a future of sustainable electricity generation. If this isn’t the exciting, feel good, pick-me-up news you needed today then we don’t know what is! 

Have you considered joining the transition to a sustainable future? Why not find out just how much you could save by booking your free consultation with the Gaia Renewables team.