"Coal consumption" refers to the amount of coal that is used up or burned for various purposes such as generating electricity, heating, or industrial processes. Full definition
The production decrease is largely attributable to a forecast decline of 4 % in domestic coal consumption in 2018, with most of the decline expected to be in the electric power sector. (eia.gov)
For example, global coal consumption increases only 27 % in the twenty two years between 1980 and 2002 (8). (pnas.org)
The decline in coal consumption for the third year in a row is, therefore, an encouraging sign. (carbonbrief.org)