NSW coal export volumes have doubled since 2001

New analysis has shown that coal exports volumes from NSW to the rest of the world have doubled

since 2001 due to increased demand for our high quality coal.

Latest export figures from Coal Services show that since 2001 coal exports from NSW have increased

from 75 million tonnes to over 164 million tonnes – an increase of over 118 percent. Over the last five

years export volumes have consistently been at or near record levels, with the highest level recorded in

2014 at 172 million tonnes.

The most recent figures from Coal Services show that for the 2018 calendar year total coal exports from

NSW were 164.6 million tonnes, with thermal coal exports used for electricity generation growing by 1.6

million tonnes.

“NSW thermal coal is being used by countries in our region to lock in reliable and affordable electricity

with new coal-fired power plants that can provide low-emissions coal fired power. Our coking coal is

also in demand for its role in the production of the steel needed to help drive economic development

and growth.”

“These economic trends in our region are expected to underpin strong demand for our NSW export coal

well into the future.”

Under the Independent International Energy Agency’s (IEA) New Policies Scenario, which incorporates

policy commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement, global growth in coal demand is

expected to remain steady, while growth in demand for coal in the Asia Pacific region expected to more

than double by 2040.

“If we get the policy settings right here in NSW, our economy can continue to benefit from investment

and jobs in NSW while at the same time contributing to economic development and greater opportunity

across our region and around the world ,” Mr Galilee said.