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Published: 31 January 2022

Consumption of hard coal increased by 19 per cent in 2021

According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, the consumption of hard coal increased by 19 per cent last year compared with the previous year. The consumption of hard coal as fuel in the generation of electricity and heat amounted to 1.8 million tonnes, corresponding to 48 petajoules in energy content. Despite the large annual change, the trend of hard coal consumption is declining in the longer term. In all, 56 per cent less hard coal was consumed in 2021 than on average during this millennium.

Consumption of hard coal, 1,000 tonnes

In 2021, consumption of hard coal increased both in electricity and heat production as main activity and in manufacturing. The consumption of hard coal grew particularly in the latter half of 2021. In the third quarter of the year, 50 per cent more hard coal was consumed than in the previous year and in the last quarter, consumption increased by 54 per cent from the previous year. The year 2021 was colder than the previous year, which increased the consumption of hard coal. The effects of the high price of gas and the growth in demand for electricity were also visible in the demand for hard coal in the second half of the year. The use of hard coal also increased in manufacturing due to the growth in industrial output. The large growth in the consumption of hard coal compared to the previous year is also explained by low consumption in 2020.

Energy consumption in Finland typically fluctuates seasonally. Some of the fluctuation in the consumption of hard coal is also explained by the natural variation in the need for electricity and heat between the summer and winter seasons and between years. The difference between individual statistical reference years can be explained by variations in the demand for heating energy caused by the weather. However, a declining trend can be detected in the consumption of hard coal for several years. The use of fossil fuels has been replaced by renewable energy. The decrease in the consumption of hard coal is affected by the ban on the use of hard coal for energy, which will enter into force in 2029.

At the end of December, the stocks of hard coal amounted to 1.2 million tonnes. Compared with one year back, the stocks were 39 per cent lower.

Source: Consumption of hard coal, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Aira Hast 029 551 3394, energia@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Katri Kaaja

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Appendix tables

• Appendix table 1. Consumption of hard coal (31.1.2022)
• Appendix table 2. Hard coal stocks, month-end (31.1.2022)

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• Revisions in these statistics (31.1.2022)

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Updated 31.1.2022