{
  "id": 14903669,
  "title": "Is coal really making a comeback?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/is-coal-really-making-a-comeback",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Grist",
    "slug": "grist",
    "url": "https://grist.org/energy/is-coal-making-comeback-energy-crisis/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Coal consumption is set to reach an all-time high of 8.94 billion metric tons by 2026, according to a recent projection by the International Energy Agency. This news has sparked headlines declaring that coal is \"back in fashion\" and experiencing a \"comeback.\" The increase in coal demand can be attributed to the ongoing energy crisis caused by the war in Iran, which has disrupted global oil and gas supplies. As a result, many countries have turned to coal as a substitute.\n\nExperts, however, are skeptical about the notion of a resurgence in the coal industry. Christine Shearer, a coal analyst at Global Energy Monitor, argues that the short-term surge in coal use should not be confused with a genuine revival of the coal sector. She emphasizes that distinguishing between the two is crucial.\n\nInstead, some experts believe that the energy crisis will accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and clean technology. An international climate conference held in Glasgow five years ago saw nearly every country agree to \"phase down\" coal. Coal is the dirtiest source of electricity, emitting higher levels of carbon and air pollutants compared to oil or natural gas. In June, the International Energy Agency reported that investment in coal had reached its highest level in 14 years.\n\nThe push for new coal-fired power stations has been driven by arguments from mining companies and right-leaning politicians. The Australian state of Queensland's Premier even expressed openness to proposals for new coal-fired power stations to support AI data centers. Northback, a mining company, is working to reopen a former mine in Alberta, Canada, after nearly 60 years of closure, driven by projections of future demand for coal and potential profits.\n\nHowever, the sugar rush of coal investments may be short-lived. Experts warn of potential setbacks as the projects are completed. The sugar crash is likely to hit, especially before these projects are fully operational. David Crisafulli, the Premier of Queensland, acknowledges that there is a \"big sugar rush right now,\" but cautions that it may be followed by reckless business plans.\n\nThe energy crisis has also pushed countries toward renewable energy sources and clean technology, potentially leading to a long-term decrease in demand for oil and gas. The unpredictability of the oil and gas market, exacerbated by factors such as the oil and gas crunch and President Trump's actions, has led nations to view wind and solar as a more secure option than relying on fossil fuel imports.\n\nAdditionally, the world is experiencing an increased demand for electricity, driven by the expansion of AI data centers and the need for more air conditioning units as temperatures rise. Much of this additional demand is being met by wind and solar energy. This growth in clean power has been one of the factors cushioning the economic impact of the oil shock thus far, according to a report by the International Monetary Fund.\n\nHowever, the IMF also warns that the world is nearing the \"limits of resilience\" to withstand future energy shocks. This has created a sense of whiplash, with headlines suggesting that the world is entering an \"age of electricity\" alongside others claiming that coal is on the rise. Both perspectives can be accurate, as the immediate response to an energy crisis may involve increased fossil fuel use, while the longer-term trend is towards reducing dependence on those fuels.",
  "summary": "Headlines say the dirtiest fossil fuel is “back in fashion” — but there's much more to the story.",
  "key_points": [
    "Coal consumption projected to reach 8.94 billion metric tons by 2026",
    "Energy crisis drives short-term surge in coal use, not long-term revival",
    "Renewable energy adoption expected to decrease demand for coal"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}