Globally, a slight oversupply of coke is predicted for the immediate future but regional shortages will continue. Factors such as improved blast furnace efficiency and increased use of pulverised coal injection have led to a decline in specific coke consumption but, in some regions, coke oven capacity reductions resulting from unwillingness to bear the costs of battery refurbishing and pollution control equipment coupled with replacement costs for aging batteries have still led to supply shortages. These shortages are to some extent being filled by importing coke, especially from China. Unless replacement conventional batteries are built quickly, the effect of these projected closures could be severe on overseas consumers of Chinese coke. The nature and sources of emissions from coke ovens are now well-documented and their effects on health understood.
Environmental legislation takes different forms in different countries.
However, there is a feeling of optimism that coke can still be manufactured in a manner that satisfies environmental requirements and provides an economic advantage. The lifetime of old batteries is being extended and some new ones planned.