June 9, 2021 - New data show that Kentucky’s coal production and employment have declined by a minimum in almost two years.

The state coal mine produced 6.5 million tonnes in the first three months of 2021. According to the Energy Environment Cabinet, 9.6% decrease from 2020.

Total employment decreased by 14.6% to 3,983.

West Kentucky continued to outpace Eastern Kentucky production, with 4.3 million tonnes mined in the west and 2.3 million tonnes in the east.

Union, a county in western Kentucky, produced more coal than the entire eastern coalfield.

Total employment remained higher in the east with 2,366 workers. The mine in western Kentucky employed 1,617 workers.

Kentucky ranks fifth in the country for coal production behind Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Ten years ago, the Kentucky mine produced more than 27 million tonnes every three months and employed more than 18,000 workers.

Demand for coal to generate electricity has declined, mainly because utilities have switched to cheaper natural gas. On the other hand, wind power and solar energy are also cheaper.

Coal transport to power plants fell by 22% in 2020. According to the US Energy Information Administration, Reflects the decline in electricity demand due to the coronavirus.

Natural gas generated 40% of the country’s electricity in 2020. Twice the share produced by coal.. Last year, both nuclear and renewable energies surpassed coal nationwide.

Plans to decarbonize the power grid could further erode coal’s share.