1.    Introduction

In this Combustion File, a brief summary is given of the geographical distribution of the proven [GLOSS]coal[/GLOSS] reserves in the world, along with summaries of production and utilisation of coal, region by region.

This summary is based on the situation in 2001. Whilst the general distribution of coal reserves will not change in the short to medium term, the figures for proved reserves will change year on year.

A link is provided below to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy web site for readers wishing to have updated figures in later years (see ‘Sources’ below).

2.    Reserves, Production and Utilisation

Figure 1: Proven Coal Reserves – 2001 – with Particular Reference to the Americas
[Source: BP statistical review of world energy 2002]

At the end of 2001, it is estimated that the proven reserves of coal in the world are as presented in Table 1:

Table 1: Proven world coal reserves at end of 2001
[Source: BP statistical review of world energy 2002]

Table 2 shows the overall world production and consumption in 2001.

Table 2: Total world coal production and utilisation in 2001
[Source: BP statistical review of world energy 2002]

In Figure 2 the geographical distributions of production and consumption data for 1991 and 2001 are presented for the same world regions as used for the reserves above.

Figure 2: Coal Production and consumption in 1991 and 2001.
[Source: BP statistical review of world energy 2002]

3.    Further details

Further details are given for each separate region in Combustion Files 192-196 inclusive, along with a regional commentary of the coal types/ranks available.

Sources

BP statistical review of world energy 2002
http://www.bp.com/centres/energy2002/index.asp

Acknowledgements

Our acknowledgements and thanks are due to BP for the consise and clear information made openly available in their review of world energy.