Role of coal in global energy transition
N.A. Ivanov1, A.E. Sarychev2, I.A. Stoyanova3
1 Gubkin University, Moscow, Russian Federation
2 MGIMO University, Moscow, Russian Federation
3 National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4 / 2023 р. 102-108
Abstract: Transformation of the world economy towards the low-carbon development (energy transition) raises the question of the role of coal as an energy carrier and a source of industrial raw materials. On the one hand, it is a widespread energy carrier with reserves that can meet consumption for hundreds of years and well-developed technologies and logistics for its use. On the other hand, it is the most carbon-intensive energy carrier, contributing the largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions, i.e. the choice is made between the economic viability of its use and the environmental threat associated with coal consumption. The authors analyze the scenarios for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by the International Energy Agency and BloombergNEF, which basically focus on a radical reduction in the use of coal for power generation. However, the International Energy Agency's (IEA) vision of reducing CO2 emissions by eliminating the use of coal in power generation and replacing it with renewable energy sources raises reasonable doubts due to a number of problems that are currently unlikely to be resolved. The development of Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage technologies will contribute to solving the challenges of coal use in power generation, keeping the coal mining industry developing and achieving the energy transition goals.
Keywords: energy transition, low-carbon development, sustainable development, energy generation, coal, solar and wind power
For citation: Ivanov N.A., Sarychev A.E., Stoyanova I.A. Role of coal in global energy transition. Russian Mining Industry. 2023;(4):. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2023-4-102-108
Article info
Received: 29.06.2023
Revised: 20.07.2023
Accepted: 21.07.2023
Information about the authors
Nikolai A. Ivanov – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor, Gubkin University, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6066-6416; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alexander E. Sarychev – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Head of Department of World Resource Markets Department, MGIMO University, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1779-448X; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Inna A. Stoyanova – Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9222-2043; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
References
1. Ivanov N.A. (ed.). The Shale Revolution and global energy transition. Moscow; St/ Petersburg: Nestor-Istoriya; 2019. 540 p. (In Russ.)
2. Ivanov N.A., Shurkalin A.K. Transformation of the global energy system: factors of changes and possible consequences. Problems of Economics and Management of Oil and Gas Complex. 2019;(11):28–31. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33285/1999-6942-2019-11(179)28-31
3. Ivanov N.A., Shurkalin A.K. Prospects for the world power industry development and the competition aggravation at the world energy markets. Problems of Economics and Management of Oil and Gas Complex. 2019;(3):43–47. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33285/19996942-2019-3(171)-43-47
4. Bayar Y., Smirnov V., Danilina M., Kabanova N. Impact of institutions and human capital on CO2 emissions in EU transition economies. Sustainability. 2022;14(1):353. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010353
5. Sarfraz M., Ivascu L., Cioca L.I. Environmental regulations and CO2 mitigation for sustainability: Panel data analysis (pmg, ccemg) for BRICS nations. Sustainability. 2022;14(1):72. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010072
6. Mills M.P. The “New Energy Economy”: An Exercise in Magical Thinking. Manhattan Institute; 2019. 24 p. Available at: https://www.manhattan-institute.org/green-energy-revolution-near-impossible (accessed: 06.02.2023).
7. Howarth R.W., Jacobson M.Z. How green is blue hydrogen? Energy Science & Engineering. 2021;9(10):1676–1687. https://doi. org/10.1002/ese3.956
8. Krasnyansky G.L., Sarychev A.E. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global energy coal market. Economics and Management: Problems, Solutions. 2020;5(12):147–152. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.36871/ek.up.p.r.2020.12.05.017
9. Krasnyansky G.L., Sarychev A.E., Skryl A.I. Economic crisis and coal of Russia. Moscow: NUST “MISIS”; 2017. 77 p. (In Russ.)
10. Petrov I.V., Utkin I.I., Jayant V.B. Proposals for decarbonization of the coal industry and sustainable development of isolated regions based on underground coal gasification. Ugol’. 2022;(9):41–46. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18796/0041-5790-2022-9-41-47
11. Shvets, N. Globalization of the power sector as factor for sustainable development and energe secutity / N. Shvets, A. Philippova, G. Kolesnik // International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy. – 2020. – Vol. 10, No. 1. – P. 185-192. – DOI 10.32479/ijeep.8512. – EDN SKJRUD.
12. Petrov I.V., Shvandar K.V., Shvandar D.V., Burova T.F. Transformation of the world coal market: Current trends and development vectors. Ugol’. 2020;(7):66–70. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18796/0041-5790-2020-7-66-70
13. Kocheshnov A.S., Stoyanova I.A. Strategic priorities of spatial development of resource and production potential and providing coal infrastructure industry of Russia. Ugol’. 2022;(5):55–62. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18796/0041-5790-2022-5-55-62
