Coal accounts for about 20% of total electricity production in the EU. However, it is also responsible for the largest share of CO2 emissions from the energy sector, making its phase-out key to tackling climate change. According to the Coal-Fired Electricity analysis of the IEA, in 2021 global CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants rose to a record 9.7 Gt, representing an increase of nearly 6.6% from the previous year and more than 100 Mt above their previous peak in 2018. In order to address the current energy crisis and reduce bills, both the EU and Member States are making advances towards repurposing coal plants.