US monthly coal production fell further. The nation produced about 54.4 MnT of coal in the Feb’16. The quantity produced is record low and fell by around 25% on an yearly basis.
According to the latest release by EIA (Energy Information Agency, US), the country’s month to month coal production fell eventually by 7%. As stated by EIA, coal production in the country has been evaluated to 54. 4 MnT in Feb’16 against 58.2 MnT in Jan’16. The nation’s handling fell by 7% on a monthly basis and 25% on an yearly basis.
Source- EIA
According to EIA, US coal production has been falling continually since 2008. The country produced a total of 886.3 MnT coal in 2015, registering a downfall of about 11% against 2014. The quantity produced is lowest since last 29 years. Further, along with production, US coal export fell by about 40% in 2015 against the previous year. The country exported about 97.2 MnT of coal in 2014 and 58.6 MnT in 2015.
US coal production in last 11 years
Source- EIA
Coal production in US has witnessed a significant downfall in 2015. The following are the main reasons
Persistent downfall in gas prices
Continuous downfall in gas prices has made it more popular choice over conventional source of energy. The budding gas operated power plants all over the country has lead to downfall in coal production.
Shift to alternative sources of energy
The country is presently relying natural sources of energy such as solar and wind energy. The alternates are cheaper and are easily available.
Stern policy and parameter against air pollution
Strict rules and regulation by US government have compelled power players to use gas and other renewable sources of energy. Also, enjoins from Clean Air Act caused the major shift in US. Strict notification to power producers to reduce sulphur emission during electricity generation compelled them to shift in other sources.
Leave a Reply