COAL AT EUROPEAN ENERGY MARKET – ROLE OF COAL AS A FACTOR OF EU ENERGY SECURITY

Abstract

Coal was the main resource of energy in Europe for nearly two centuries. Currently, despite the many advantages of coal, its role in the European energy market is weakening. Because coal is the larger emitter of greenhouse gases, its future in Europe therefore will depend on the shape of the long-term energy – climate policy of the EU. Regulations and plans already issued for the future of energy in the Union postulate gradual de-carbonisation of the EU economy. However, there are concerns about the cost of establishing a low carbon economy. The main purpose of the article is to analyze the position of coal in the European energy market.