Brown Coal: Why It Matters in Your Energy Mix

Guide · June 2026

Brown coal, or lignite, is the most carbon-intensive way to make electricity. If it is in your grid mix, it quietly inflates the footprint of everything you plug in. Here is why it matters and what to do about it.

What brown coal is

Brown coal, or lignite, is the youngest, softest type of coal. It holds a lot of moisture and little energy, so you have to burn more of it to get the same power — which makes it the highest-emitting electricity source per unit, dirtier even than hard (black) coal or anthracite.

What you can do

You usually cannot choose the exact electrons in your sockets, but you can choose a supplier and tariff that buy clean power, and you can back the phase-out through your vote and your bank. Check how your electricity affects your footprint and switch where you can.

Part of the bigger picture

This guide is part of our practical guide to reducing your carbon footprint.