The source adds the following information: "Primary energy consumption is measured in terawatt-hours (TWh). Here an inefficiency factor (the 'substitution' method) has been applied for fossil fuels, meaning the shares by each energy source give a better approximation of final energy consumption."
In 2024, coal accounted for roughly of worldwide primary energy consumption. This compared to a percent share held in 1965. Following a sharp decline in the decade following 1965, coal's role in the energy mix has remained mostly stagnant, despite growing environmental and health concerns.
South Africa among countries most reliant on coal
While the global trend points towards a slow decrease in coal usage, some countries still heavily rely on this fossil fuel. South Africa stands out with coal accounting for percent of its total energy consumption in 2024, primarily due to its dependence on coal for electricity production. This contrast to the global average puts the spotlight on the diverse energy challenges faced by different countries.
Coal's persistent role in electricity generation
Coal continues to play a significant role in electricity generation worldwide. In 2024, coal accounted for ** percent of global electricity production. Some countries remain particularly dependent on coal for power generation, with Kosovo leading the way at **** percent of its electricity mix coming from coal. Major economies like China and India also continue to rely heavily on coal, with the former sourcing around ** percent of its electricity from this fuel type.
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OWID. (June 27, 2025). Share of coal in primary energy consumption worldwide from 1965 to 2024 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 21, 2026, from /statistics/1494173/coal-share-in-energy-consumption-worldwide/
OWID. "Share of coal in primary energy consumption worldwide from 1965 to 2024." Chart. June 27, 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 21, 2026. /statistics/1494173/coal-share-in-energy-consumption-worldwide/
OWID. (2025). Share of coal in primary energy consumption worldwide from 1965 to 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 21, 2026. /statistics/1494173/coal-share-in-energy-consumption-worldwide/
OWID. "Share of Coal in Primary Energy Consumption Worldwide from 1965 to 2024." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 27 Jun 2025, /statistics/1494173/coal-share-in-energy-consumption-worldwide/
OWID, Share of coal in primary energy consumption worldwide from 1965 to 2024 ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/1494173/coal-share-in-energy-consumption-worldwide/ (last visited July 21, 2026)
Share of coal in primary energy consumption worldwide from 1965 to 2024 [Graph], OWID, June 27, 2025. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1494173/coal-share-in-energy-consumption-worldwide/