Hard coal consumption fell 34% in the first half of the year

The consumption of hard coal decreased in Finland by 34% in January to June 2020 compared with the corresponding period of last year.

According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, the consumption of hard coal as a fuel in the generation of electricity and heat amounted to 0.963 million tonnes, corresponding to 25 petajoules in energy content.

Compared with the average for the last five years, 43% less hard coal was consumed in the first half of 2020. Compared with one year ago, the consumption of hard coal contracted most in January, by 51%.

Energy consumption in Finland typically fluctuates seasonally. Some of the fluctuation in the consumption of hard coal is explained by the natural variation in the need for electricity and heat between the summer and winter seasons.

Source: Statistics Finland.

Variations in heating demand

The difference between individual statistical reference years can be 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.

The use of fossil fuels has been replaced by renewable energy.

At the end of June, the stocks of coal amounted to 1.9 million tonnes. Compared with one year back, the stocks 2% lower.