But many experts believe coal 's European revival will be shortlived , and that it is essentially the last gasp of a fuel with no long-term future . U.S. shale gas boom having knock - on effect in Europe , despite EU environmental policies . Fracking revolution pushed down US natural gas prices , leading US generators to switch from coal . US coal has replaced more expensive gas in Europe as feedstock for power generation . Experts believe coal 's European revival will be shortlived .
U.S. shale gas boom having knock - on effect in Europe , despite EU environmental policies . Fracking revolution pushed down US natural gas prices , leading US generators to switch from coal . US coal has replaced more expensive gas in Europe as feedstock for power generation . Experts believe coal 's European revival will be shortlived .