Fact Check: More and more countries exit the coal production in their territories

Fact Check: "More and more countries exit the coal production in their territories"

What We Know

The claim that "more and more countries exit the coal production in their territories" reflects a complex and evolving global landscape regarding coal power. According to the Boom and Bust Coal 2025 report, while many countries are indeed moving away from coal, the overall global coal capacity has not decreased significantly. In fact, in 2024, the global coal fleet grew by 18.8 GW, primarily due to new additions in China, which alone accounted for 70% of global coal capacity growth. Outside of China, however, there was a net decrease of 9.2 GW in coal power capacity, indicating a trend of retirement in several regions.

The report also highlights that the number of coal plant proposals in OECD countries has dramatically decreased, from 142 in 2015 to just five today, suggesting a significant shift away from coal in these regions. In Europe, retirements surged, with the EU27 retiring 11 GW of coal capacity in 2024, marking a fourfold increase from the previous year. Countries like the United Kingdom have completed their coal phaseout, joining a small group of nations that have successfully exited coal production.

However, the situation is not uniform across the globe. In India, for instance, there has been a record proposal of 38.4 GW of new coal power in 2024, indicating a continuing reliance on coal in certain developing nations. This is echoed by the Global Energy Review 2025, which states that coal demand in China increased by 1.2% in 2024, reaching an all-time high, and that China now consumes nearly 40% more coal than the rest of the world combined.

Analysis

The evidence suggests a nuanced reality regarding the exit from coal production. On one hand, there is clear progress in certain regions, particularly in Europe and among OECD countries, where coal retirements are accelerating and new proposals are dwindling. For example, the Boom and Bust Coal 2025 report notes that all but three EU countries are planning to be coal-free by 2033, with significant retirements occurring in Germany and the UK.

On the other hand, the ongoing expansion of coal production in China and India poses a significant counterpoint to the claim. The Global Energy Review 2025 indicates that these two countries are responsible for a substantial portion of global coal consumption and development. China's coal consumption alone accounts for 58% of the global total, and its coal fleet continues to expand despite international commitments to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The sources used in this analysis are credible and well-regarded in the field of energy research. The International Energy Agency (IEA) is a leading authority on energy statistics and trends, while the Global Energy Monitor provides comprehensive data on coal power capacity. However, it is important to note that the focus on specific regions (like OECD countries) may overlook broader global trends, particularly in developing nations where coal remains a critical energy source.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "more and more countries exit the coal production in their territories" is Partially True. While there is significant progress in coal phaseouts in certain regions, particularly in Europe and among OECD countries, the overall global context is complicated by continued coal expansion in countries like China and India. This duality highlights the challenges faced in achieving a comprehensive global transition away from coal.

Fact Check: More and more countries exit the coal production in their territories