Energy Education: Coal
U.S. coal imports set another record level in 2005. Although imports represent less than 3 percent of total U.S. coal consumption, they are a factor in the supply balance, particularly for the coastal electric power producers. The average price of imported coal increased in 2005 by 25 percent.
However, U.S. coal exports increased for the third year in a row in 2005; they were still slightly above the 2001 level. Total coal exports were up 4 percent in 2005, and the average price per short ton increased by 24 percent as the tightening world coal market, combined with the declining value of the U.S. dollar, sent prices to unprecedented highs.
Did you know these facts about coal?
Production
• Wyoming was the Nation's leading coal-producing State with production of 404.3 million short tons, which was 35.7 percent of the national total in 2005
• U.S. coal production increased in 2005 by 19.4 million short tons to end the year at 1,131.5 million short tons, up 1.7% percent from the 2004 level
Consumption and Demand
• During 2005, a record 1,125.5 million short tons of coal were consumed in the United States.
• The greatest demand for coal was by electricity generating plants that burn coal to produce electricity.
Usage
• Some 1,037.5 million short tons, 92 percent of the total, were used by the electric power sector to produce about half (49.7 percent) of all electricity generated.
• Each ton of coal consumed at an electric power plant produces about 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. A pound of coal supplies enough electricity to light ten 100-watt bulbs for about an hour.
• The second largest sector of coal demand was for industrial use, which amounted to 60.3 million short tons in 2005
Imports
• U.S. coal imports set another record level in 2005
• Total coal imports were 30.5 million short tons, an increase of 11.7 percent, or 3 million short tons
• Imports represent less than 3 percent of total U.S. coal consumption
• Colombia dominates the U.S. coal import market, accounting for 21.2 million short tons, or 69.6 percent of all coal imports in 2005
Exports
• U.S. coal exports increased for the third year in 2005
• Total U.S. coal exports were 49.9 million short tons, an increase of 1.9 million short tons
• Total coal exports were up 4 percent in 2005
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