Brown coal, also known as lignite or ‘soft coal’, is a combustible sedimentary rock formed of naturally compressed peat. It was used traditionally as a feedstock to produce baseload electricity in some heavily industrialised economies. Brown coal is the most CO2 emissions-intensive form of electricity generation and is being phased out in many countries as carbon pricing policies make its use less competitive relative to cleaner fuels.
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The Carbonwise editorial team is formed of seasoned established industry writers and specialist journalists.
18 March 2026
It’s not clear to many how carbon credits come into existence. They don’t just ‘pop up’ in the way central banks increase the currency supply.
23 February 2026
In February, the European Commission launched a consultation to seek views on the use of international carbon credits to help meet the EU climate target for 2040.
18 February 2025
An independent governance body involving a diverse group of stakeholders with the aim of setting guidance on best practice for the corporate use of project-based carbon credits.
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