Coal in the UK - 2007  

The UK consumed 62.7 million tonnes of coal in 2007, including 52.4 million tonnes in power stations.

Coal imports to the UK were 43.3 million tonnes, 7.2 million tonnes less than the previous year's record amount. Indigenous production reduced to 17.0 million tonnes. (A further 2.9 million tonnes was lifted from stock.)

Over a third of the UK's electricity was produced from coal (gas 41%, coal 36%, nuclear 16%, others (including renewables) 7%).

UK Coal Imports

Coal is therefore a fundamental component of the UK's energy mix, and over 70% of the nation's requirements are imported.

CoalImp - the Association of Coal Importers - believes that imported coal complements indigenous supply as a secure and essential part of the UK energy balance. Coal resources are plentiful, distributed more evenly around the globe than oil or gas, and coal is capable of being transported and stored safely.