Coal fired power plants generate 35 percent of global electricity in 2024, more than any other single source. But they are closing rapidly in developed markets and peaking globally. This guide covers how they work, why they persist, and why they are closing.
How coal plants work
Coal is pulverised and burned in a boiler. Combustion heat produces high pressure steam that drives a turbine. The turbine drives a generator producing electricity. Waste heat is rejected via cooling towers or condensers. Air pollution control equipment cleans emissions before they exit the stack.
Main components
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Coal handling | Storage, pulverisation, feeding |
| Boiler | Convert combustion heat to steam |
| Steam turbine | Convert steam energy to rotation |
| Generator | Convert rotation to electricity |
| Cooling system | Reject waste heat |
| Air pollution controls | Remove SO2, NOx, PM, mercury |
| Ash handling | Manage fly ash and bottom ash |
| Stack | Discharge cleaned gases |
Efficiency
Typical coal plants operate at 33 to 40 percent thermal efficiency (heat to electricity). Modern supercritical plants reach 45 percent. Ultra supercritical plants approach 48 percent. Combined heat and power raises overall utilisation.
Emissions
| Pollutant | Typical rate (uncontrolled) | Control technology |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 | 800 to 1200 g/kWh | CCS (expensive, rare) |
| SO2 | Up to 20 g/kWh raw | Wet or dry scrubbers |
| NOx | Up to 5 g/kWh raw | Low NOx burners, SCR |
| PM | Up to 10 g/kWh raw | Electrostatic precipitator, baghouse |
| Mercury | Trace | Activated carbon injection |
Global scale
Regional distribution
| Region | Coal share |
|---|---|
| China | ~58% |
| India | ~72% |
| US | ~16% |
| Germany | ~15% |
| UK | Under 2% |
| Australia | ~60% |
Why coal is closing
- Cheaper renewables and gas on new build LCOE.
- Emissions regulation (Clean Air Act, EU ETS).
- Public pressure and divestment.
- Water use restrictions in drought areas.
- Ash handling and cleanup liabilities.
- Corporate net zero commitments.
- Insurer and lender reluctance.
Closure timeline
UK closed its last coal plant in 2024. US retiring at 5 to 15 GW per year. Germany phasing out by 2038 (target). China continues building but growth slowing. India rising.
Jobs and communities
Carbon capture
Coal plus CCS can reduce emissions 90 percent. Very expensive at current cost; limited commercial deployment. May play niche role at specific existing plants.
China and India
China and India still build coal. China peaked in coal capacity growth and may plateau. India continues expansion but at slowing pace. Both are driving major renewables buildout in parallel.
Coal to gas conversion
Some coal plants convert to natural gas, reducing but not eliminating emissions. Faster and cheaper than new gas but requires suitable gas supply.
Where coal is going
- Continued closure in developed markets.
- Slowing growth in China.
- Some growth in India and Southeast Asia.
- Coal to gas conversions where economics work.
- Limited coal plus CCS deployment.
- Peak coal globally likely mid to late 2020s.
Frequently asked questions
Is coal being phased out?
In developed markets yes. Globally still growing modestly.
Why does coal still exist?
Sunk capital, energy security concerns, employment, and slow policy response.
Is new coal being built?
Yes in China, India, some Southeast Asian countries. Not in developed markets.
Can coal be cleaned up?
Air pollution mostly yes with modern controls. CO2 requires CCS at high cost.
Is coal cheap?
Existing plants can be cheap on marginal cost. New coal is expensive.
What about jobs?
Major consideration. Just transition programmes matter.
Is peak coal reached?
Globally not quite. Expected mid to late 2020s.
What comes after coal?
Renewables plus storage, gas transition, nuclear in some cases.
Are coal plants safe to run?
Operationally yes. Air quality and CO2 concerns are the issues.
Where can I see coal plants?
The UtilityRadar directory lists coal plants globally.
Summary
Coal fired power plants are the largest single source of global electricity but declining rapidly in developed markets. Modern plants operate at 40 to 48 percent efficiency with sophisticated air pollution controls but still emit substantial CO2. Cheap renewables plus policy pressure drive closure. China and India continue building. Peak coal globally is expected in the mid to late 2020s. Transition planning matters for affected workers and communities.
Next reading
- Renewable vs non renewable
- Global electricity mix 2026
- Renewable energy complete guide
- Browse the UtilityRadar directory
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