Russia expects new coal consumers due to AI development
The Russian government predicts the emergence of new consumers of coal products due to digitalization and robotization of the economy. This follows from the updated government program for the development of the coal industry until 2050.
The Russian government predicts the emergence of new consumers of coal products due to digitalization and robotization of the economy. This follows from the updated government program for the development of the coal industry until 2050.
“In connection with the digital transformation of the economy, automation and robotization of technological processes, the introduction of artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies in the near future, new consumers will appear in Russia,” the document says.
Demand is expected to grow in industry, transport, construction, and the environment. The government separately noted the development of information technology infrastructure, in particular the construction of data centers.
In November 2025, President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to develop a model for using local generation, including coal, for data centers. In June 2026, the head of Yakutia, Aisen Nikolaev, said that the development of data centers could open up new opportunities for the coal industry in Russia if they are placed in regions with affordable coal.
