From the Economist:

Coal’s share in global energy will continue to climb because of its relative cheapness and abundance, especially in the two largest coal-producing/consuming countries, the US and China. In the US, more coal-fired than gas-fired power plants will come on stream in the next two years. Globally, demand for coal will rise by 4.6% in 2009 to 6.8bn tonnes; this trend will gather speed as countries with large reserves aim to reduce their dependence on oil imports.

(ht Rich Sweeney)

US coal production was up 1.9 percent in 2008.