The role of coal in the development of the Baltic and South China Sea regions

Compared to other energy sources, coal is typically regarded as dirty and inefficient. To many, it conjures images of the Industrial Revolution, steam ships, steam trains, appalling working conditions and loss of life in the mines, thick air and gritty eyes and noses in the western metropolises. In the Baltic Region, the use of coal is declining everywhere but Russia. These generally mature economies are successfully shifting to cleaner fuels. However, as much of the South China Sea region is in the midst of economic take-off and modernization, coal consumption is on the rise. The demand for electric power is soaring and coal seems to be the only way to produce the vast amounts of electricity required. This paper examines the production of coal within the South China Sea region and the shared need to attempt to minimise the carbon emissions resulting from the use of so much coal.