There are enough coal resources worldwide to last several hundred years, and there is a great probability that fossil fuels will continue to be an important part of energy production.

Industry, in particular, is conducting research on how to make the use of fossil fuels more sustainable, for example, through a greater degree of energy utilisation in existing power plants, and by storing carbon dioxide (CCS - carbon capture and storage). Norway in particular is engaged in CCS but Denmark is also working with it, although to a lesser degree. Both Denmark and Norway are members of the international organisation 'The Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum' which aims to advance knowledge and the technology of CCS.