Peabody Energy announced it has opened an office in Essen, Germany, expanding the company coal trading platform into a growing market for coal.

Mr Richard Navarre Peabody Energy president and chief commercial officer said the decision provides Europe with new alternatives of power.

He said that “Our presence in Essen broadens our sourcing and shipping capabilities to deliver coal from Peabody US operations to European customers who increasingly are turning to coal to displace nuclear generation and high cost natural gas.”

Peabody Essen office will be headed by Mr Juergen Treschan who has been named the director of trading and logistics for Northern Europe. He will be in charge of operations dealing with international trading activities in Germany and neighbouring countries.