Coal-fired electricity generation 1.Accounts for 39% of world electricity production – the most important source of electricity in OECD and non-OECD. 2.Accounts for more than 50% of electricity generation in Australia, China, India, Australia, Eastern Europe and the USA. 3.Coal expected to remain the most important source of electricity through to Capacity will grow by 120% (two- thirds of this in developing countries) – $1.3 trillion of investment. 4.Predominantly domestic good: 3% traded.

Projected world electricity production to 2030, by fuel source Source: World Energy Outlook 2004, IEA

Coal-fired electricity emissions 1.70% of all power sector electricity and heat emissions % of global anthropogenic GHG emissions (22% for electricity and heat). 3.Projected to rise 60% by 2030 with developing countries accounting for 90% of this growth. 4.Higher plant thermal efficiencies are the key to achieving lower emissions intensities. 5.CO 2 emissions intensities vary significantly: Japan’s is 35% lower than India’s.

Coal-fired electricity generation CO 2 emissions intensities by region, 2002

Scope for progress 1.In 2002, average thermal efficiency in the OECD was 36%, in developing countries it was 30%. In 2030, expected to rise to 40% and 36% respectively. 2.State-of-the-art pulverised plants have efficiencies as high as 47%. IGCC (gasification) plants 50%. Thermal efficiencies of up to 56% is believed to be possible. 3.If all regions were to achieve the same efficiency level of Japan emissions could be reduced by 17% in Major barrier to reducing emissions: capital costs. 5.Capture and storage technologies is probably 10 years off. Major technical and cost challenges.