OVERVIEW

Coal has been foundational to the economic and industrial development of the Midwestern United States. Stretching from the Illinois Basin through Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, and into portions of Michigan and western Pennsylvania, the Midwest has historically been both a major coal-producing and coal-consuming region. The region’s energy system developed around abundant domestic bituminous coal resources and large-scale coal-fired generation that powered steel production, automotive manufacturing, chemicals, agriculture, and heavy industry, forming the backbone of America’s industry and export capacity. The Midwest retains one of the largest concentrations of coal-fired generating capacity in the country. As of 2025- 2026, generators on the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) continue to operate roughly 40-50 gigawatts (GW) of coal capacity, representing one of the most significant regional coal fleets in the United States (EIA Form 860; MISO Planning Resource Auction data). Portions of western PJM, including Ohio and western Pennsylvania, also contribute to the Midwest’s coal generation. In February 2026, federal policy signals emphasizing energy security and domestic fuel production reinforced coal’s role in grid reliability. In a region facing tightening reserve margins and rising demand from advanced manufacturing and data infrastructure, coal continues to serve as a fuel-secure source of high-capacity generation. This article examines the evolving role of coal in the Midwestern United States, focusing on its contribution to grid reliability, industrial integration, fuel security, regulatory constraints, and emerging pathways for modernization.