TEQ
The U.S. and global energy landscapes are undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. However, this shift comes with its own set of challenges and misconceptions. In response, CONSOL Energy, one of the largest U.S. coal producers based in Canonsburg, PA, has launched the NotSoFast campaign. This initiative aims to provide a balanced perspective on the ongoing energy transition, highlighting the critical role of coal in supporting both current energy needs and future innovations.
The campaign is a public awareness initiative designed to address the misinformation surrounding coal and renewable energy. It underscores the unintended consequences of an expedited transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources like wind and solar power that can’t currently meet the baseload energy needs of the country. By presenting fact-based data, the campaign seeks to achieve a more informed dialogue among the public, corporate leaders and policymakers.
At the heart of the NotSoFast campaign is the message that coal remains a vital component in the global energy mix. Despite the increasing adoption of renewable energy technologies, coal continues to play a crucial role in energy production, industrial applications and economic development. The campaign emphasizes several key points:
Renewable energy infrastructure relies heavily on materials derived from coal. For instance, one megawatt of onshore wind capacity requires hundreds of tons of steel and concrete, which in turn require hundreds of tons of coal to produce. This dependency highlights the ongoing importance of coal in building and maintaining renewable energy systems.
To meet the U.S. administration’s goals of a carbon-free power grid by 2035 and a net-zero-emissions economy by 2050, the wind energy industry would need to increase the rate at which it builds new wind energy plants by 5 to 10 times.
Renewable power requires approximately ten times more land area than fossil fuels per unit of power produced.
Over the past two decades, the global use of coal has increased by approximately 55%. Currently, coal makes up 35% of global energy production, providing a reliable and affordable energy source for billions of people.
Approximately 775 million people in the world still don’t have access to electricity, underscoring the critical role of coal in global development.
Over the last 20 years, after investing trillions of dollars globally into renewable energy efforts, the world has realized only a 4% reduction in fossil fuel use, from approximately 86% to 82% as a percentage of all energy produced. This modest reduction illustrates the challenges and slow pace of the transition to renewables.
In addition to its role in energy production, coal is being innovatively used for various non-power generation applications such as bricks, steel and concrete. Additionally, key innovations include advanced carbon fibers used in aerospace parts, building materials such as decking and coal-derived graphite for the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
As domestic demand for coal in power generation decreases, CONSOL Energy has strategically shifted its focus to exporting coal for both power and industrial uses. This strategy not only supports the company’s business model but also addresses global energy needs. By exporting high-quality coal, CONSOL Energy helps meet the energy and industrial requirements globally, reinforcing its position as a leader in the coal industry.
The NotSoFast campaign is an initiative that brings clarity to the ongoing energy transition. By highlighting the role of coal in both current and future energy landscapes, the campaign encourages a balanced and informed approach to energy policy. Through innovative applications and strategic exports, CONSOL Energy continues to demonstrate the enduring relevance of coal in a rapidly evolving energy market.
CONSOL Energy CEO Jimmy Brock said, “Coal still matters and will for many decades to come. For the United States to realize a sustainable energy future, we need an orderly and realistic transition plan that includes an all-of-the-above approach to energy that actually works. Not So Fast advocates for a more measured, analytical and moral approach to our nation’s energy policies.”
He added, “We are sensing that a new narrative is beginning to emerge, one that says Not So Fast. This narrative is based on evidence, common-sense solutions, and real-world results. As the campaign title suggests, we are urging people to more cautiously consider the tradeoffs and potential harms of aimlessly abandoning fossil fuels, like coal, and we think the data supports our claims. In fact, we see a future where renewables work together with abated, fossil-fuel-based power without compromising our prosperity, health or the environment.”
For more information about the campaign, visit thecoalhardtruth.com.