The line graph below shows the percentage of energy production from coal in four European countries (Sweden, France, Denmark, and Germany).
Overall, it can be seen that, despite some fluctuations, over the period as a whole the proportions dropped in all four countries. Although in the first year Denmark produced the highest percentage of energy, it was surpassed by other countries in 2010.
In 1995, Denmark had the highest share of coal-based energy at around 60%, followed by Germany at roughly 55%. Both countries experienced sharp declines over the first decade. Germany’s proportion fell to just 35% by 1998 and then dropped further to below 10% in 2007, before rising slightly to 15% in 2010. Denmark also underwent a rapid fall, decreasing to around 30% in 2001 and then continuing downward to 10% at the end of the period.
In contrast, Sweden and France started at much lower levels. Sweden’s share fell from 35% in 1995 to around 27% in 2004. Remaining stable after that, it reached around 30% in 2010. France recorded the lowest and the most stable percentage: starting at just under 30% in 1995, dipping to around 22% by 2004, and reaching 24% in 2010.