Coal Production Declines in 2016, with Average Coal Prices Below Their 2015 Level

 

Coal Production Declines in 2016, with Average Coal Prices Below Their 2015 Level

By U.S. EIA: Today in Energy, from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).  – January 10

U.S. coal production in 2016 is expected to total 743 million short tons (MMst), 17% lower than in 2015, and the lowest level since 1978. Falling production in 2016 continues an eight-year decline from peak production in 2008. Production in all major coal regions fell by at least 15%. Low natural gas prices, warmer-than-normal temperatures during the 2015-16 winter that reduced electricity demand, the retirements of some coal-fired generators, and lower international coal demand have contributed to declining U.S. coal production. The United States has five major basins or regions that produce coal. Although weekly coal production in most basins increased slightly since mid-year, weekly production levels in all areas throughout 2016 have been significantly lower than over the previous five years. The largest annual decline in coal production in 2016 was in the Powder River Basin, which declined by 70 MMst (17%) from 2015 levels. Declines in coal production relative to 2015 levels ranged from 16% to 26% in the Northern and Central Appalachian basins, the Rocky Mountain region, and the Illinois Basin. Read on...http://www.theenergycollective.com/todayinenergy/2395989/coal-production-declines-in-2016-with-average-coal-prices-below-their-2015-level