Myth
Europe is the biggest coal producer in the world.
Fact
In 2017 coal production in Europe amounted to 464 million tons which is only a fraction (6,1 %) of world production.
Myth
There is a lack of coal reserves in Europe
Fact
89 % of conventional energy reserves in the European Union lie mainly in coal and lignite deposits.
Myth
Coal-based Energy generation sector uses obsolete technology
Fact
Coal-fired units constructed in the 1960-70s are low efficiency units and they will be gradually phased out. Since the year 2000 the efficiency of new coal-fired units has increased by 10%, where an increase of 1% in efficiency translates to CO2 emissions reduction by 2-3%. New power units are equipped with comprehensive, high-efficiency flue gas treatment systems (denitrification, dedusting and desulphurisation), which successfully reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides, dusts and sulphur oxides. Since 1988 GHG emissions in the energy sector dropped by more than 33%.
Myth
Coal can be easily replaced with Renewable Energy Sources
Fact
Energy produced in wind and solar installations is not stable, because it strictly depends on weather conditions and therefore they operate for a small number of hours per year. Wind farms operate for about 25% of time in a year, while solar plants for 15% of time. As a comparison, coal-fired power plants can operate for 55-60% of time in a year, while their shutdowns and overhauls are planned, as opposed to RES shutdowns.
Myth
Subsidies for renewables are at a minimum level, because these sources are for free
Fact
When analysing the amount of subsidies for power production in the European Union it becomes apparent that subsidies for renewables amount to 110 EUR/MWh on average, while the subsidies for conventional fuels amount to 78,5 EUR/MWh.
Myth
Coal imports to the European Union are marginal
Fact
In 2017 all the EU countries together imported 173 million tons of coal, which corresponds to the transfer of about 58 coal mines outside the EU borders and thus to 175,000 jobs directly at coal mines and another 525,000 jobs in sectors related to the mining industry. It is estimated that coal imports caused transfer of almost EUR 13 billion outside the EU borders.
Myth
The global decarbonisation policy gives results in decreasing CO2 emissions
Fact
From the first climate summit in 1995 (COP1 in Berlin), global GHG emissions increased from 21.9 billion tons to 33.4 billion tons in 2017.
Myth
The European Union is highly independent of imported fuels
Fact
In 2015 the cost of fuels imported to the European Union reached approximately PLN 1.1 billion. At the same time, dependence on imported coal, oil and gas increased from 52% in 1990 to 74% in 2016.
Myth
The current decarbonisation policy has a positive impact upon the EU economy
Fact
Actions related to decarbonisation of EU economies contribute to transfer of production outside their borders. In 2017 the balance of trade in the European Union was negative and it amounted to 178.8 billion EUR, and since 2000 the cumulative value reached minus 3,792 billion EUR.
Myth
In recent years greenhouse gases emissions increased mainly in Europe
Fact
Greenhouse gases emissions in Europe have been decreasing for the last few decades, reaching the level of 4.15 billion tons in 2017, while emissions in 1990 were at the level of 4.7 billion tons and in 2000 - 4.45 billion tons. Actions taken in Europe, including Poland, contribute to smaller emissions of the economy.
Myth
Coal consumption is constantly dropping
Fact
In 1990 the consumption of coal was about 4.5 billion tons, while in 2017 it increased by over 67%, reaching 7.55 billion tons. Consumption increase is particularly visible in developing countries in the South East Asia region, Australia and North America.
Myth
European Union activities regarding CO2 emissions reduction have a significant impact upon climate change
Fact
Only 5% of total CO2 emissions is related to human activity, and the other 95% comes from natural sources. Only 29% of that is related to the energy sector.
Myth
Coal is responsible for negative climate changes.
Fact
Only 5% of total CO2 emissions is related to human activity, and the other 95% comes from natural sources. Only 29% of that is related to the energy sector.
Myth
Coal deposits in the European Union are running out
Fact
It is estimated that, at current rates of extraction, bituminous coal reserves will suffice for at least 200-300 years and lignite reserves for almost 50 years. In the case of crude oil-50 years, and uranium for nuclear power plants-about 100 years