The FT climate Lex Column has forecast the total demise of the coal industry . Alongside climate regulation as a result of the Paris climate agreement , the industry faces threats from new technologies . Peabody coal and similar coal producers have been damaged by the introduction of US natural gas , which is cheaper as well as cleaner than coal . Furthermore , cheaper solar panels , improved energy storage and efficiency and smarter grids will all further strengthen the case for using coal .
The FT’s Lex Column has forecast the total demise of the coal industry. Alongside increasing regulation as a result of the Paris climate agreement, the industry faces threats from new technology. Peabody Energy and similar coal producers have been damaged by the emergence of US shale gas, which is cheaper as well as cleaner than coal. Furthermore, cheaper solar panels, improved energy storage and efficiency and smarter grids will all further undermine the case for using coal.