Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 8, Global Energy Monitor (GEM) indicates that the 2024 decline in coal production capacity may be temporary, as developers in 30 countries, primarily China and India, plan to expand coal mining. Over 850 new mines, expansions, and recommission projects are under development, with an additional 35 mine extension proposals.

About 90% of the proposed capacity is concentrated in a few nations. China accounts for 1,350 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), mainly in its northern and northwestern regions, while India plans for 329 Mtpa, with nearly half led by state-owned Coal India. These initiatives aim to boost global coal production significantly.

GEM noted: “In total, 2,270 Mtpa of coal mine capacity is under development worldwide, posing a significant risk of increased methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas with over 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.” If all projects proceed, GEM estimates 15.7 million tonnes of methane could be released annually, surpassing Japan’s total yearly greenhouse gas emissions.

Dorothy Mei, project manager of GEM’s Global Coal Mine Tracker, stated: “The canary is literally and figuratively in the coal mine. Without drastically scaling back plans for new mine capacity, the world could see a massive rise in potent methane emissions that would make it all but impossible to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement.” The planned expansions highlight the environmental risks of methane emissions.

The developments, led by China and India, reflect ongoing coal demand but raise concerns about their environmental impact. GEM’s findings emphasize the importance of addressing methane emissions to align with global climate goals, given their significant warming potential.