Key Findings
Consumption of thermal coal, which is burned for electricity generation, is down 28% in the U.S. over the past decade, declining to 738 million tons in 2015 from 1.02 billion tons in 2005— an average annual drop of 29 million tons.
On average, U.S. coal production declined by 42 million tons per year from 2006 through 2015.
IEEFA sees a high likelihood for flat coal prices in 2017, and through 2025, because natural gas prices will remain low and—as a result—utilities will have little incentive to accept higher coal spot prices or to sign long-term contracts with marginally higher coal prices to hedge against future increases.
Executive Summary
The U.S. coal industry, after suffering one of its worst years ever in 2016, will continue its decline in 2017, though at a slower pace.
Consumption, production and prices will slump, but by a small amount compared to that seen in recent years. The overall effect will be one of flat performance at best.
While the industry will likely gain limited market share in day-to-day competition in regional electricity markets due to a relative increase in the price of natural gas, any such gains will be marginal.
Press release: IEEFA U.S. Coal Outlook 2017: Short-Term Gains Muted by Prevailing Weaknesses in Fundamentals
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