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Published: 31 January 2019

Consumption of hard coal decreased by 3 per cent in 2018

According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, the consumption of hard coal decreased by three per cent last year in comparison with the previous year. The consumption of hard coal as a fuel in the generation of electricity and heat amounted to 3.1 million tonnes, corresponding to 79 petajoules (PJ) in energy content. Compared to the average for the 2000s, the consumption of hard coal was 31 per cent lower.

Consumption of hard coal, 1,000 tonnes

The biggest change occurred in the second quarter, when the consumption of hard coal decreased by 24 per cent from the previous year. In the last quarter of the year, one per cent less hard coal was consumed compared to the corresponding period in the year before.

Hard coal consumption in Finland typically fluctuates seasonally. Some of the fluctuation is explained by the natural variation in the need for electricity and heat between the summer and winter seasons. The difference between statistical reference years is explained by variations in the demand for heating energy and the Nordic water situation, which particularly influences the electricity exchange price and thus the consumption of hard coal in separate production of electricity as well. Therefore, long-term consumption development cannot be deducted from the change in hard coal consumption in successive years.

At the end of December, stocks of hard coal totalled 2.1 million tonnes. Compared with one year back, the stocks were six per cent lower.

Source: Consumption of hard coal, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Aleksi Sandberg 029 551 3326, energia@stat.fi

Director in charge: Ville Vertanen

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Appendix tables

• Appendix table 1. Consumption of hard coal (31.1.2019)
• Appendix table 2. Hard coal stocks, month-end (31.1.2019)

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• Revisions in these statistics (31.1.2019)

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Updated 31.1.2019