Poland, Ukraine Increase 2022 Coal Production to Weather Cold Months

Poland and Ukraine are increasing this year’s production of thermal coal, the most polluting fossil fuel, preparing for colder months as Europe grapples with an energy security crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

Coal use as fuel for thermal power plants must also decline if the world is to meet net zero emissions targets by the middle of the century, but since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the European sanctions on Moscow, the flow of Russian gas to Europe has decreased. The continent is making efforts towards alternative sources.

Despite widespread commitments to phase out coal from the electricity sector, countries including Germany, Austria and the Netherlands continue to prepare to increase coal power generation as an emergency measure. Janusz Olszowski, President of the Polish Chamber of Mining Industry and Commerce, stated that Poland plans to “increase coal production in existing mines by a maximum of 1.5 million tons this year”.

Source: Reuters