Abstract:

Coal is the most carbon-intensive major fossil fuel in use today and is deeply entrenched in the power system, but drastic reductions in its consumption are required to achieve net-zero emissions. Accelerating Coal Transitions provides an update on the IEA’s 2022 report Coal in Net Zero Transitions at the request of the Japanese G7 Presidency. It comes out two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted a surge in coal-fired generation. The report offers pragmatic strategies for policymakers to transition away from unbated coal power while maintaining energy security, affordability, and protecting local communities deeply connected to coal production and use. This update also includes a series of case studies highlighting successful policy examples across diverse national circumstances.