According to data, China is the number coal producer in the world at 4780.0 million tonnes, while India ranks second on the list, churning out 1085.1 million tonnes of coal annually.
The United States and Russia are two of global superpowers in military and industrial strength, but India and China have emerged as powerhouses in one key sector, coal production. According to data, China is the number coal producer in the world at 4780.0 million tonnes, while India ranks second on the list, churning out 1085.1 million tonnes of coal annually.
How India became a powerhouse in coal production?
In its latest report on coal production, the Energy Institute’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2024 has recognized India as global energy power. However, China, India’s biggest rival in South Asia, dominates the global coal production, churning out 4780.0 million tonnes of coal annual, nearly five times India’s total production.
Notably, coal remains a major source of electricity generation around the world, despite the rising popularity of nuclear power and hydroelectricity.
Why major economies are lagging behind?
According to the list, Indonesia stands at third position with 836.1 billion tonnes of coal production, while the US is ranked fourth, producing just 464.6 million tonnes. Experts believe that developed economies are rapidly shifting towards nuclear power and other alternate means of meeting their energy needs, and have reduced their dependence on natural resources like coal.
Australia produces 462.9 million tonnes of coal, while Russia churns out 427.2 million tonnes, as per the list.
Meanwhile, market experts believe India’s increased coal production for its industrial speed and energy security, even as there is a global push to reduce dependence on the resource in wake of the climate change threat and environmental issues.
