12 Feb 2026 9:42 am
President Donald Trump just signed a new executive order — directing the Department of War to prioritize long-term Power Purchase Agreements with coal-fired power plants. While the U.S. reopens the coal gates, the world is split on its energy soul. Who’s still burning coal (a lot):
Trump’s move is likely to:
China – burns more coal than the rest of the world combined 
India – still expanding coal capacity to meet runaway electricity demand
Indonesia – one of the world’s top exporters
South Africa – 80% of its grid is coal
Australia – giant coal exports despite green pledges
Russia – major supplier, especially to Asia
Poland – still heavily coal-reliant in the EU
Vietnam & Philippines – surging coal consumption for industrial growth
China – burns more coal than the rest of the world combined 
India – still expanding coal capacity to meet runaway electricity demand
Indonesia – one of the world’s top exporters
South Africa – 80% of its grid is coal
Australia – giant coal exports despite green pledges
Russia – major supplier, especially to Asia
Poland – still heavily coal-reliant in the EU
Vietnam & Philippines – surging coal consumption for industrial growthTrump’s move is likely to:
- Lock in PPA deals spanning decades
- Boost coal-state economies (WV, PA, KY, WY)
- Challenge the EPA’s clean energy targets
- Ignite a global debate on energy realism vs. environmental idealism