Abstract

This report examines the use of coal for power generation and major industrial applications in the growing dynamic economies of China, India and South Africa, each of which relies heavily on coal for energy production. There are some similarities in the uses and technologies deployed in these three countries, but there are also differences. The use of some technologies is widespread, whereas others have developed to meet more specific local requirements, hence their geographical application is more limited. These similarities and differences are examined and compared with world best practice.

In all three countries, as in many others, there are coal-consuming plants where performance and efficiency is on a par with the best in the world. However, such application is not necessarily universal and there are often big differences between the best and worst performers. These differences are generally greater than in OECD nations. Through existing collaborations with OECD

industry, modern technologies are already being introduced into these three countries. However, in order to improve effectiveness of a particular sector as a whole, in some cases, greater replacement of the existing infrastructure is required, and there are parts that would benefit from greater penetration of world best practice.