Russia Ministry of Energy: Sergei Mochalnikov in an interview with RIA Novosti: “Coal reserves in Russia exceed 400 billion tons, with the current level of production this will be enough for 350 years”

The growth of coal production in Russia in 2021 relative to 2020 is expected at the level of 6%, coal reserves in Russia exceed 400 billion tons, this will be enough for about 350 years, the director of the Department for Foreign Economic Cooperation and Development of Fuel Markets of the Ministry of Energy Sergey Mochalnikov.

“Our coal production is growing after the 2020 year, now the increase is about 9%. If current trends continue, production growth in 2021 relative to 2020 is expected to be about 6%, and in 2022 by 2021 – more than 1.5%. Coal reserves in Russia exceed 400 billion tons. This will be enough for us for a very long period, ”said Sergei Mochalnikov.

According to him, given the current level of production, this level of reserves will last for about 350 years.

The head of the Department also noted that coal export supplies are at the level of 2019. “Today we export about 110 million, and the demand already exceeds 200 million,” he stressed.

“We see an increased demand for Russian coal in the European direction. The price of gas spurred not only the price of coal in Europe, but also its consumption. According to our forecasts, in 2021 coal supplies to the European market will remain at the level of 2020 – about 48 million tons, while our share in the European market will grow slightly, ”added the Director of the Department.

When asked about significant changes in the industry during the energy transition, he paid attention to the issue of coal quality.

“Those coals that do not meet the standards will leave the market. These are low-grade, low-calorie and poorly enriched coals. As for coking coals, the situation there is a little more stable, but, nevertheless, the energy transition will affect them over time. The creation and production of PCI concentrates and coals for use in metallurgy, iron and steel production is a costly and time-consuming mechanism. Here we feel confident enough, because we have high-quality coals, ”concluded Sergei Mochalnikov.