Denmark’s coal import has surged dramatically as of late, with first half-year volumes multiplying by 6.8 between the first half of 2021 against the same period this year, reports domestic business daily Børsen based on new figures from the Danish Energy Agency (DEA).

During H1’22, the country imported 934,734 tonnes of coal against 136,735 tonnes during the comparable period of 2021. Meanwhile, actual coal consumption was 27% higher in Q2’22, after Russia invaded Ukraine, against last year’s second quarter.

Kim Behnke, head of development at the Danish District Heating Association, attributes the import surge to the DEA having ordered two of Ørsted thermal plants to refill inventories.

”It’s about being prepared because of concerns about entering winter with insufficient electricity supply. It’s coal that will not necessarily be burned – but it must be available,” he tells the media.

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