Imported coal has traditionally played a minor role in Italy’s energy mix, but its struggling heavy industries could benefit from more clean coal as an alternative to gas.
Following several years of stability and steady growth, the UK coal market is entering a period of uncertainty as power generators await government guidelines on future energy policies.
The planned phasing out of Germany’s coal mining industry will not mean the end of its coal usage. The country instead is looking to increase its imports.
Following a busy year, the UK’s ports are bracing themselves for a downturn in volumes. However, not all bulk cargoes are expected to be hit hard by the global recession.
Coal continues to play a substantial role in Germany, filling in the gaps in its power generation caused by the phasing out of the country’s nuclear power plants.
UK ports were largely caught unprepared by the surge in coal imports a few years ago. Paradoxically, with major investments now in place, they could be facing a drastic decline.
