Coal in the UK - 2010  

The UK consumed 51.5 million tonnes of coal in 2010, including 41.9 million tonnes in power stations.

Coal imports to the UK were 26.5 million tonnes, a large decrease (-30.5%) on the previous year's amount. Indigenous production increased by 1.6% to 18.2 million tonnes. (Over the year, 7.2 million tonnes was lifted from stock.)

Almost 30% of the UK's electricity was produced from coal (gas 46%, coal 29%, nuclear 16%, others (including renewables) 9%).

UK Coal Imports

Coal is therefore a fundamental component of the UK's energy mix, and around two thirds 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.