In May 2006 the World Coal Institute published Coal: Meeting Global Challenges, which outlines the vital role played by coal in meeting the global challenges of the 21st century. Coal: Meeting Global Challenges updates the WCI report The Role of Coal as an Energy Source, published in 2003.

The key messages of Coal: Meeting Global Challenges are:

• Energy demand has grown strongly and will continue to increase.
• All energy sources will be needed to satisfy that demand by providing a diverse and balanced supply mix.
• As the most important fuel for electricity generation and a vital input into steel production and other industrial processes, coal will have a major role to play in meeting future energy needs.
• Coal liquefaction allows coal to act as a substitute for crude oil.
• In most circumstances, coal is cheaper per energy unit then other fuels.
• Coal prices are consistently more stable than oil and gas prices.
• Coal has a unique role to play in meeting the demand for a secure energy supply.
• The challenges for coal, as for all fossil fuels, is to reduce its greenhouse gas and other emissions, while continuing to make a major contribution to global development and energy security.
• Coal is on a technology pathway that has already delivered major environmental improvements.
• Carbon dioxide capture and storage offers the potential for major reductions in CO2 emissions from coal consumption, approaching zero emissions.
• Constructive partnerships between energy producers, energy consumers and governments are essential to ensure demand for affordable and reliable energy is met, while managing sustainable development and energy security.

Copies of all WCI publications and further information on the coal industry are available on the WCI website: www.worldcoal.org