U.S. Coal Shipments Declined 8% in 2023 as Coal Consumption Fell Sharply

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The quantity of coal transported in america decreased 8% in 2023, persevering with a pattern wherein coal shipments have typically decreased over the previous twenty years as coal’s share of power era has declined in america. The quantity of coal transported to energy vegetation, which are sometimes situated removed from mines, decreased by greater than half, falling from 957 million tons in 2010 to 422 million tons in 2023.

We anticipate the decline in coal consumption to reverse this 12 months. In our not too long ago revealed July replace to the Short-Term Energy Outlookwe forecast a rise in use of coal to generate electrical energy in america this yearwith use dropping again to about 2023 quantities in 2025.

Though the quantity of coal being transported intently follows the coal consumption charge, the 2 measurements can differ from 12 months to 12 months. Throughout 2023, U.S. coal producers shipped 35 million extra tons (9%) than U.S. energy vegetation consumed. Surplus deliveries final 12 months boosted stock ranges at energy vegetation by 48%, decreasing deliveries in early 2024. Conversely, coal shipments to energy vegetation in 2021 and 2022 have been 59 million tons lower than the quantities consumed throughout these two years, and inventories dropped to lower than 100 million tons.

Railroads dominate coal transportation

4 main modes of transportation transfer coal from the mines to energy vegetation. Railroads transported practically three-quarters of all U.S. coal in 2023. As a result of many coal-fired energy vegetation are removed from the coal fields and mines, railroads have confirmed to be essentially the most environment friendly transportation mode given the intensive rail community throughout the nation. U.S. coal can be transported by barges that function on the inland river system, vehicles, or conveyer belts in a lot smaller portions.

Some coal is transported by two modes, first shipped by railroad after which loaded right into a barge, ship, or truck for remaining supply. In 2023, 9% of railroad shipments additionally used a secondary mode of transportation to achieve the vacation spot, akin to ships on the Nice Lakes, barge, truck, or conveyor belt.

We publish extra details about coal shipments to energy vegetation in our summary of coal transportation rates and in our interactive Coal Data Browser. Our Type EIA-923 supplies further knowledge on mode of transportation.

Principal contributors: Jonathan Church, Mark Morey. Initially revealed on Today in Energy.