Germany

Total coal production in Germany has dropped off considerably, from 481,7 million tonnes in 1989 (includes both West Germany and the former East Germany) to 194,3 million tonnes in 2008 (2009 estimates - 184,8 Mt). Germany’s output of hard coal has fallen from 76,6 million tonnes in 1990 to 19,1 million tonnes in 2008 (2009 estimates - 15 Mt) . Hard coal is mainly used for power generation and iron and steel manufacture. Germany’s most important hard coal resources are found in Ruhr and Saar basins. The Ruhr coalfield produces over three-quarters of German hard coal.

Germany is the world’s largest producer of brown coal (lignite). Brown coal is also Germany’s most important indigenous energy source.

The coal accounts for 44 % of the country’s total electricity generation.

Hard coal mining is very expensive and often unprofitable activity. Therefore in some countries the state aid to the coal industry is necessary. This is the case of Germany. But the Germany government reached an agreement with hard coal mine operators on incrementally reducing subsidies between 1998 and 2005. The reduction in subsidies has resulted in considerable downsizing of the sector. In 1991, Germany operated 26 hard coal mines and employed 122 871 miners, while in 2003 only 10 mines were in operation and 45 581 miners employed.

After 2006 the German government continues downsizing and rationalizing the coal industry, but intends to maintain core capacity for domestic coal production.

With declining domestic coal production, Germany is becoming an importer of coal. In 2008, Germany imported 45,4 million tonnes.

Source: Methane to Markets, World Energy Council