As Roman Bilousov notes, coal has been a key resource for the global economy for three centuries . Despite global discussions about the “green transition,” in 2022 it accounted for about 36% of global electricity generation. This illustrates a paradox: the need for decarbonization is combined with the sustainability of coal in the global energy balance.
According to Belousov, coal reserves will last for 130–150 years at the current level of production. Unlike oil and gas, it is more evenly distributed around the world and has a lower cost of production. In addition, coal-fired power plants provide a reliable supply of energy regardless of climatic conditions.
Roman Bilousov emphasizes that China and India depend on coal for 65–70% of their energy balances. For these countries, it guarantees not only energy security, but also supports industrial development and employment.
Coal remains indispensable in metallurgy (over 70% of the world's steel is smelted with coking coal) and the chemical industry. As Belousov notes, it is also the basis for innovations – gasification, the production of synthetic gases and hydrogen.
According to Roman Belousov, more than 7 million people are employed in the coal industry. Australia receives about 15% of its foreign exchange earnings from coal exports, and Russia uses it as an alternative to gas in remote regions. The even distribution of reserves makes the resource an important element of energy sovereignty.
Environmental challenges and technological prospects
Coal remains the main source of CO₂, which, according to Belousov, reinforces the need for innovation. Prospects include carbon capture and storage, gasification, hydrogen production and modernization of thermal power plants.
Roman Bilousov concludes that the future of coal lies not in abandoning it, but in technological transformation . Only a combination of economic feasibility with innovation can ensure a balance between development and environmental sustainability.
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