“EURACOAL and its predecessor associations date back to the birth of the European Union – to the Treaty of Paris signed in 1951. It was co-operation on coal and steel that guaranteed peace in Europe and led to the Union. Looking to the future, EURACOAL members wish to contribute to a strong and dynamic Europe during the energy transition. So, as the EU looks towards its one hundredth anniversary, we must prepare for a transformation as important as the Industrial Revolution. The share of renewables – wind and solar PV – is growing, which means there is a greater need for backup for when the wind does not blow, especially on dark winter nights. Last week, in the UK, the lights went out because there was insufficient backup when power from a new offshore wind farm suddenly collapsed. Whilst energy storage technologies are being developed, their costs are far too high for industry and households. Thankfully, backup can be provided most effectively from existing coal-fired power stations which are already available, very affordable and remarkably flexible. Coal, especially indigenous coal, is our most secure and reliable energy resource. With the advances being made in coal mining technologies, we can look forward to securing a safer and more affordable energy transition”.