Coal in Transition: COP-27, ESG, and Energy Transition – Where are we Heading?

Coal in 2023 finds itself in a unique situation among global electricity and steel sector feedstocks. The energy transition has very much begun, with coal now a fuel that is starting to move into structural decline. But it will still be needed for decades to come. Supplying coal for the remainder of its life will require investment that is very challenging in an ESG-driven investment environment. But as 2022 showed, coal is still being turned to when other fuels face challenges.

In this session, experts from around this industry discuss issues such as:

- Today’s market is going through very high prices relative to historical levels, despite fairly tepid overall demand levels. Why are coal prices so high and what will happen to them in 2023?

- What impact will the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War have on coal trade and prices?

- Where does the South African coal industry fit in today’s coal market and that of the next ten years? What needs to be done to optimize South Africa’s position as one of the world’s leading coal exporters? How must the domestic coal industry adapt?

- Coal’s traditional strength – reliable baseload generation – has generally held little weight as the momentum of the energy transition has forced coal generation downward. Is coal back on the table as countries look at blackouts in many parts of the world, and the European experience in 2022? Will the events of 2022 change the speed and trajectory of the energy transition?

- Is it possible to invest in coal and generate good enough returns? Or are we moving towards the risk of structural tightness that can only be cured by reducing demand?

Wednesday 08 February 09:10 - 10:00 Main Stage

Main Stage

Add to calendar 02/08/2023 09:10 02/08/2023 10:00 Coal in Transition: COP-27, ESG, and Energy Transition – Where are we Heading? Coal in 2023 finds itself in a unique situation among global electricity and steel sector feedstocks. The energy transition has very much begun, with coal now a fuel that is starting to move into structural decline. But it will still be needed for decades to come. Supplying coal for the remainder of its life will require investment that is very challenging in an ESG-driven investment environment. But as 2022 showed, coal is still being turned to when other fuels face challenges. Main Stage Europe/London