In the first half of 2024, national coal consumption reached 1.93 billion tons, marking a 1.8% year-on-year increase. This growth rate represents a significant slowdown compared to previous years—down by one percentage point from 2012 and nearly 7.6 percentage points from 2011. The deceleration reflects broader economic shifts and ongoing efforts to transition toward cleaner energy sources.
Despite the slower growth in demand, coal stockpiles across society have continued to rise. As of the end of June, total coal stocks amounted to 298 million tons. Among these, coal enterprises held 89.90 million tons, up 7.9% from the start of the year and 16% year-on-year. This suggests that producers are maintaining higher inventories, possibly in anticipation of future demand or due to market uncertainties.
On the other hand, major coal-fired power plants saw a decline in their coal reserves. At the end of June, they had 73.83 million tons in stock, down 8.8% from the beginning of the year and 18.9% compared to the same period last year. This drop may indicate improved efficiency in coal usage, better supply chain management, or reduced reliance on coal as renewable energy sources expand.
Overall, the data highlights a complex trend: while coal remains a key energy source, its growth is slowing, and the dynamics of supply and demand are shifting in response to policy changes and environmental pressures.Hexagon Flange Nut
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