South Africa's coal production has shown a fluctuating yet declining trend over the years. From 2013 to 2023, coal production decreased from 6.08 Exajoules to 5.28 Exajoules, with a notable decline over the past few years. Year-on-year variations highlight a consistent downward trajectory, especially from 2020 to 2023, where production fell by approximately 9.4%. The CAGR over the last five years stands at -2.56%, indicating a continued and accelerating decrease in coal production.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the coming years (2024 to 2028) suggests a continued decline in coal production with an expected CAGR of -0.62%. By 2028, production is predicted to fall to 5.06 Exajoules, marking a total decrease of 3.06% over the five-year forecast period.
Future trends to watch for:
• Global policy shifts towards renewable energy and stricter environmental regulations.
• Technological advancements in alternative energy sources.
• Economic conditions affecting both domestic and international coal demand.
• Potential changes in domestic policies regarding coal production and usage.
