Competitive Position of Coal for Power Generation AUTHOR: Gordon
R. Couch DATE: May 2004 This report focuses on the
competitiveness of coal in power production and considers the
factors that may affect coal use. It is based on the use of
examples and data taken from around the world, which can suggest
how the situation may develop over the medium term. Political
considerations may affect the security and price of energy
supplies. The challenges associated with action to mitigate the
possible "greenhouse effect" and any resultant change, together
with the effects of changes in the energy markets in many
countries are discussed. Both supply and demand projections for
fuel use are based on IEA figures quoted in World Energy Outlook
2002. Factors that may affect the projections such as
environmental pressures, geopolitical impacts, unexpected
technical advances, and the effects of structural changes to the
markets are discussed. The interactions and interrelationships
between the variables are extremely complex,