In Finland, consumption of hard coal decreased by 19% from January to June 2019 compared to the corresponding period of 2018.
According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, consumption of hard coal as a fuel in the generation of electricity and heat amounted to 1.4 million tonnes, which corresponded to 39 petajoules in energy content. In January to June 39% less hard coal was consumed than on average during this millennium.
Compared to the average for the last five years, 15% less hard coal was consumed in the first six months of 2019. Compared to one year ago, the consumption of hard coal contracted most in March, by 34%.
Source: Statistics Finland.
Hard coal consumption in Finland typically fluctuates seasonally. Some of the fluctuation is explained by the natural variation in the need for electricity and heat between the summer and winter seasons.
The difference between statistical reference years is explained by variations in the demand for heating energy and the Nordic water situation, which particularly influences the electricity exchange price and thus the demand for separate production of electricity as well. Therefore, long-term consumption development cannot be deducted from the change in hard coal consumption in successive years, explains Statistics Finland.
At the end of June, the stocks of hard coal amounted to 1.6 million tonnes. Compared with one year back, the stocks were eight per cent lower.
