Hard coal consumption grows 2% in Q1

The consumption of hard coal increased by two per cent in this year's January to March compared to 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 0.643 million tonnes, corresponding to 16 petajoules in energy content. In January to March, 56 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.

The consumption of hard coal increased most in January, when consumption was five per cent higher than in the year before. In March, the consumption of hard coal was three per cent lower than in the corresponding period of last year.

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The use of fossil fuels has been replaced by renewable energy.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 March 2021, the stocks of coal amounted to 1.7 million tonnes. Compared with one year back, the stocks were 10 per cent lower.