In 2023, Germany's hard coal direct material inputs were below the forecasted values for 2024. Over the forecast period from 2024 to 2028, the volume is expected to increase marginally from 41.55 to 41.77 million metric tons. This represents an annual increase of approximately 0.06 million metric tons. The year-on-year growth remains consistent, reflecting stable, low-level reliance on hard coal as a material input.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential shifts in energy policy or technological advancements that may accelerate the transition away from coal.
Economic fluctuations impacting energy demand and coal use across industries.
Environmental regulations influencing the reduction in coal consumption.