The Global Coal Terminals Tracker (GCTT) uses a two-level system for organizing information, consisting of data points in tabular format and project profiles hosted on GEM.wiki with further information. The tracker data is updated on an annual basis, with the most recent iteration released in January 2025.
Inclusion Criteria
The Global Coal Terminals Tracker (GCTT) includes coal import, export, and domestic terminals. All global coal terminals are included with capacity of handling 1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of coal or more. Coal terminals include all operating, proposed, retired, and shelved or cancelled projects on the globe. Each project included in the GCTT tracker is linked to a wiki page on GEM.wiki, which provides additional details.
Research Process
Preliminary lists of coal terminals in each country are gathered from public and private data sources, including government reports and databases, company reports, news and media reports, and information from non-governmental organizations. The terminals are subsequently reviewed and updated by Global Energy Monitor researchers. Where possible, coal terminal data is circulated for review to researchers familiar with local conditions and languages.
Data points are recorded in tabular format for aggregate presentation and analysis and a factsheet with qualitative information is recorded in project-specific pages on GEM.wiki, which may include information on project financing, environmental impacts, extraction sources, public opposition, aerial imagery, videos, links to permits, coordinates, and more. Under standard wiki convention, we strive to link each piece of information to a published reference such as a news article, company report, or regulatory permit. Alternate names for projects are also recorded. For projects with names in other languages, we also attempt to record local language names.
Terminology
The tracker provides information on the operating status of each coal terminal and the development status of each proposed project
Operating: Terminals that have been formally commissioned or that have entered commercial operation
Mothballed: Terminals that have been deactivated or put into an inactive state but are not retired
Retired:Terminals that have been permanently shut down
Proposed: Projects announced or in planning, but not yet under physical construction
Construction: Projects where physical construction has begun
Shelved: Projects officially shelved by a sponsor, or that show no activity over a period of 2 years
Canceled: Projects officially canceled by a sponsor or that show no activity over a period of 4 years
Mapping
To allow easy public access to the results, Global Energy Monitor worked with Earth Genome to develop a map-based and table-based interface.
Geolocations are visually determined using Google Maps, Google Earth, or Planet Labs. For proposed projects, exact locations, if available, are from permit applications or other company documentation. If the location of a plant or proposal is not known, GEM identifies the most approximate location.
Who Built this Tool?
The tracker was designed and produced by Global Energy Monitor. The information in the tracker has been verified by researchers familiar with particular countries, when possible.