Consumption of hard coal: documentation of statistics
The documentation of the statistics describes how the statistics were compiled and what methods were used in the compilation. The data help interpret the figures of the statistics and evaluate their reliability and comparability. The quality report is based on the EU's SIMS model. The documentation also contains change releases describing changes in the statistics and possible specifying methodological descriptions.
If you are looking for statistical figures for these statistics, go to the statistics page: Consumption of hard coal
Quality report
Data description (SIMS 3.1)
The statistics have been discontinued. Statistics on consumption of hard coal describe the use of hard coal in production of electricity and heat. Data are collected from major hard coal users, which are manufacturing enterprises and towns. Data on small users are estimated based on consumption in previous years. Data are published four times a year.
Sector coverage (SIMS 3.3)
The statistics cover the volume of hard coal consumption in energy production in Finland and the size of hard coal stocks on a monthly level.
Statistical unit (SIMS 3.5)
The basic unit of the statistics is a plant using hard coal in energy production.
Statistical population (SIMS 3.6)
The population of the statistics consists of units consuming hard coal as fuel in energy production.
Reference area (SIMS 3.7)
The statistics are published on the level of the whole country.
Time coverage (SIMS 3.8)
Annual data on the consumption of hard coal are available on the web pages starting from 1970. Monthly and quarterly data on consumption of hard coal are available starting from 2000 and monthly data on stocks of hard coal starting from 2006.
The data are preliminary until the final annual consumption of hard coal is known. The data for the previous year are updated to final data in the release for the third or fourth quarter of the current year.
Unit of measure (SIMS 4)
The measurement units used in the data on consumption of hard coal are 1,000 t, MWh, ktoe, TJ. The measurement unit used in the data on stocks of hard coal is 1,000 t. The unit used for annual, quarterly and monthly changes is per cent (%).
Reference period (SIMS 5)
Each time, the published statistics describe the previous quarter. The statistics are published one to two months after the end of the quarter.
Classifications (SIMS 3.2)
Heading 121 of Statistics Finland´s fuel classification has been used in the compilation of the statistics. Hard coal refers to hard coal used in energy production and the statistics do not include the use of metallurgical hard coal.
Concepts and definitions (SIMS 3.4)
12-month moving total
Total for the latest twelve months. For example, the 12-month moving total for March is obtained by adding up data from the beginning of the previous year's April until the end of the current's year's March. Respectively, the total for April is obtained by adding up data from the beginning of the previous year's May until the end of the current year's April. Thus, the difference between the 12-month moving totals of April and March gives the difference between the previous year's and the current year's data for April.
Charcoal
Charcoal is a solid fossil fuel with an effective thermal value of more than 24MJ/kg in ashless substance. Coal is mainly graded according to the amount of volatile matter it contains and its thermal value. Metallurgical coal and coke produced from it are not regarded as charcoal.
Fossil fuels
Fossil fuels refer to fuels that have been formed of biomass and stored underground millions of years ago. Fossil fuels include coal, lignite, natural gas and fuel oils refined from crude oil. In international classifications peat is often classified as fossil fuel, although it is a clearly younger fuel than them.
Petajoule
Petajoule (PJ) is a unit of energy used for expressing the energy contents of fuels and other energy sources. 1 PJ = 1,000 TJ; 1 TJ = 0.278 GWh
Institutional mandate (SIMS 6)
The compilation of statistics is guided by the Statistics Act. The Statistics Act contains provisions on collection of data, processing of data and the obligation to provide data. Besides the Statistics Act, the General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act and the Act on the Openness of Government Activities are applied to processing of data when producing statistics.
Statistics Finland compiles statistics in line with the EU’s regulations applicable to statistics, which steer the statistical agencies of all EU Member States.
Further information: Statistical legislation
Legal acts and other agreements (SIMS 6.1)
The compilation of statistics is guided by the Statistics Act. The Statistics Act contains provisions on collection of data, processing of data and the obligation to provide data. Besides the Statistics Act, the Data Protection Act and the Act on the Openness of Government Activities are applied to processing of data when producing statistics.
Statistics Finland compiles statistics in line with the EU’s regulations applicable to statistics, which steer the statistical agencies of all EU Member States.
Data sharing (SIMS 6.2)
Statistics Finland compiles and publishes data on the use of hard coal in the production of electricity and heat and on stocks of hard coal four times per year. In addition, the data of the statistics are submitted to Eurostat monthly on the day of the release and Eurostat publishes the data on its web pages. When becoming a member of the international energy organisation IEA, Finland also committed to submitting energy data to the IEA.
Cost and burden (SIMS 16)
Efforts have been made to minimise the response burden. Data are collected from major users of hard coal quarterly and the data for small users not included in the inquiry are estimated based on previous years.
Source data (SIMS 18.1)
The data source is Statistics Finland's own data collection directed at the major users of hard coal as fuel in Finland.
Frequency of data collection (SIMS 18.2)
The data are collected four times per year. Final annual consumption data are calculated on the basis of several statistical data sources and final hard coal consumption data are benchmarked on the monthly level to correspond with these data.
Data collection (SIMS 18.3)
The data are collected from respondents by email with Excel forms.
Data validation (SIMS 18.4)
The responses obtained with the data collection are examined in detail and the data are checked, for example, by comparing the consumption data in amount of energy and tonnes with each other. The data are also compared with previous periods and other data sources.
Data compilation (SIMS 18.5)
The data collected from major users of hard coal cover over 95 per cent of the use of hard coal on the annual level. The share that is not included in the inquiry is estimated based on previous years. The consumption data of the population are raised to correspond to the total consumption of hard coal.
User needs (SIMS 12.1)
The statistics are intended to be used for the needs of social decision-making, enterprises and their interest groups and research. The data are utilised, for example, in the calculation of total energy consumption, monitoring the consumption of hard coal and the market, as well as in international reporting (EU, IEA). The data on stocks are utilised for the needs of the National Emergency Supply Agency.
Overall accuracy (SIMS 13.1)
The data are preliminary until the final annual consumption of hard coal is known. Uncertainty may arise from inaccuracies in the measurement of data providers’ fuel volumes. Data concerning small users are estimated based on previous years. If there are major changes in their use volumes relative to the users included in the sample or to previous years, it causes an error in the statistics. Due to the coverage of the sample, this error is not significant.
The data for the previous year are updated to final data in the release for the third or fourth quarter of the current year. Final annual consumption data are calculated based on several statistical data sources, which are also used in the annual release of the statistics on energy supply and consumption. Final consumption data on hard coal are benchmarked on the monthly level to correspond with these final data.
Sampling error (SIMS 13.2)
The data collection is based on Statistics Finland's own data collection from the biggest users of hard coal and the collected data cover over 95 per cent of the use of hard coal on the annual level. Data for small users are estimated based on previous years and if there are major changes in their use volumes relative to the users included in the sample or to previous years, it causes errors in the statistics. Due to the coverage of the sample, this error is not significant.
Coverage error (SIMS 13.3.1)
The population of the statistics consists of major users of hard coal. The collected data cover over 95 per cent of the use of hard coal on the annual level. Data concerning small users are estimated based on previous years. The data are preliminary until the final annual consumption of hard coal is known. In the last quarter of the year, the consumption data on hard coal are benchmarked on the monthly level to correspond with the final annual consumption data, which are calculated based on several statistical data sources.
Measurement error (SIMS 13.3.2)
Uncertainty may arise from uncertainty in the measurement of data providers’ fuel volumes.
Non-response error (SIMS 13.3.3)
The data collection is based on Statistics Finland's own data collection and all major users of hard coal are included in the inquiry. The data supply obligation is based on the Finnish Statistics Act (280/2004, Section 14). If the data have not been reported or there are deficiencies, the data are asked from the data provider again separately.
Processing error (SIMS 13.3.4)
Examples of possible errors in statistical releases include erroneous figures in release texts, figures or tables, or use of incorrect concepts. Unlike revisions, error situations are unexpected deviations in the normal production of statistics.
Errors are corrected and the users are informed about them as quickly as possible. Statistics Finland informs about significant errors to the same extent and through the same channels as in the releasing of the original data.
Notations about corrections and their points of time are added to the corrected releases.
Quality assurance (SIMS 11.1)
Quality management requires comprehensive guidance of activities. The European Statistics Code of Practice forms the basis for the common quality system of the European Statistical System.
The Code of Practice is based on 16 principles that concern statistical authorities' independence, accountability and the quality of the processes and data to be published.
The principles are in line with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics approved by the United Nations Statistics Commission and are supplementary to them. The quality criteria of Official Statistics of Finland are compatible with the European Statistics Code of Practice.
Further information: European Statistics Code of Practice | Statistics Finland and Recommendations of the Advisory Board of Official Statistics of Finland | Statistics Finland
Quality assessment (SIMS 11.2)
The quality of the data is evaluated in several stages of the statistical process and the data are compared with other statistical data sources. The production process of the statistics is linked to other statistics on the energy topic in order to ensure a uniform whole.
Data revision - policy (SIMS 17.1)
Revisions – i.e. improvements in the accuracy of statistical data already published – are a normal feature of statistical production and result in improved quality of statistics. The principle is that statistical data are based on the best available data and information concerning the statistical phenomenon. On the other hand, the revisions are communicated as transparently as possible in advance. Advance communication ensures that the users can prepare for the data revisions.
The reason why data in statistical releases become revised is often caused by the data becoming supplemented. Then the new, revised statistical figure is based on a wider information basis and describes the phenomenon more accurately than before.
Revisions of statistical data may also be caused by the calculation method used, such as annual benchmarking or updating of weight structures. Changes of base years and used classifications may also cause revisions to data.
Data revision - practice (SIMS 17.2)
The published data are preliminary until the final annual consumption of hard coal is known. In connection with each release, the previously published data will be revised if necessary.
In the last quarter of the year, the consumption data on hard coal are benchmarked on the monthly level to correspond with the final annual consumption data, which are calculated based on several statistical data sources. Some of the data become revised less frequently than annually. The released data can also be corrected retrospectively if significant changes are detected in the data sources or calculation models.
Timeliness (SIMS 14.1)
Monthly consumption in the previous quarter and cumulative consumption in the whole year are published as new data in each release. The statistics are published one to two months after the end of the quarter.
Punctuality (SIMS 14.2)
The statistics are published at the time indicated in the release calendar. There is no delay between the release calendar and the actual release date.
Comparability - geographical (SIMS 15.1)
The statistics are utilised in international reporting concerning the consumption of hard coal. The basis of division used in international reporting are, however, different from those used in national data, for which reason the figures of national statistics cannot be directly compared with the Finnish figures reported by e.g. Eurostat.
Comparability - over time (SIMS 15.2)
From 2005 onwards, monthly data of the statistics are not fully uniform with earlier years. This is because previously the data of the statistics were produced in the then Ministry of Trade and Industry based on data collected by Finergy’s (Finnish Energy Industries Federation) Coal Users’ Committee using a slightly different method than at present.
Coherence – cross domain (SIMS 15.3)
The statistics are used at Statistics Finland in the compilation of quarterly statistics on total energy consumption. The statistics are also a central data source in the compilation of the release of preliminary data on energy consumption, i.e. the fourth quarter of the statistics on energy supply and consumption. The statistics are also utilised in the monthly statistics on consumption of hard coal reported to Eurostat. The data are comparable with other statistics on the topic of energy. The concepts of the statistics are coherent with those of Statistics Finland’s other statistics on the topic of energy.
Emissions caused by energy production form a central part of the GHG inventory. The data of the statistics on consumption of hard coal are coherent with the GHG inventory concerning emissions caused by energy consumption of hard coal.
Coherence - sub-annual and annual statistics (SIMS 15.3.1)
The data are preliminary until the final annual consumption of hard coal is known. In the last quarter of the year, the consumption data on hard coal are benchmarked on the monthly level to correspond with the final annual consumption data, which are calculated based on several statistical data sources.
Coherence - internal (SIMS 15.4)
Energy statistics form a coherent whole, where various parts are used to form, for example, the national energy balance and consumption data on hard coal are used in the statistics on energy supply and consumption. Thus, the coherence between different sets of energy statistics is good.
Release calendar (SIMS 8.1)
Statistics Finland publishes new statistical data at 8 am on weekdays in its web service. The release times of statistics are given in advance in the release calendar available in the web service. The data become public after they have been updated in the web service.
Further information: Publication principles for statistics at Statistics Finland
User access (SIMS 8.3)
The data are released to all users at the same time. Statistical data may be processed at Statistics Finland and information on them may be given before release only by persons involved in the production of the statistics concerned or who need the data of the statistics concerned in their own work before the data are published.
Further information: Publication principles for statistics
Unless otherwise specifically stated in connection with the product, data or service concerned, Statistics Finland is the producer and copyright owner of the data. The terms of use for statistical data.
Frequency of dissemination (SIMS 9)
The statistics are published quarterly. The data are preliminary until the final annual consumption of hard coal is known. Preliminary monthly data become revised over the year and the cumulative consumption of the whole year becomes revised when the annual statistics concerning the year in question are finalised.
The data for the previous year are updated to final data in the release for the third or fourth quarter of the current year. The released data can also be corrected retrospectively if significant changes are detected in the data sources or calculation models.
Publications (SIMS 10.2)
The data are also utilised in the calculation of total energy consumption, monitoring the consumption of hard coal and the market, as well as in international reporting (EU, IEA).
Online database (SIMS 10.3)
The database tables of the statistics can be found in the StatFin database.
Micro-data access (SIMS 10.4)
Unit-level data of the statistics are used only for producing the statistics and others than the compilers of the statistics do not have access to micro data.
Confidentiality - policy (SIMS 7.1)
The data protection of data collected for statistical purposes is guaranteed. The compilation of statistics is guided by the Statistics Act. Alongside the Statistics Act, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation and the Finnish Data Protection Act are applied to the processing of personal data. Provisions on the confidentiality of data collected for statistical purposes are laid down in the Act on the Openness of Government Activities.
The data are processed only by persons who need the data in their work. The use of data is restricted by usage rights. All persons employed by Statistics Finland have signed a pledge of secrecy, where they have obliged to keep secret the data prescribed as confidential by virtue of the Statistics Act or the Act on the Openness of Government Activities.
Further information: Data protection | Statistics Finland (stat.fi)
Confidentiality - data treatment (SIMS 7.2)
Confidentiality is taken into account when data are published, and it is ensured that the data or development of the data of a single enterprise cannot be deduced on the basis of the results.