Introduction
Fossil fuel, sometimes referred to as combustible fuel, is any organic material that can be burned to create energy. Coal, oil, and natural gas are all examples of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are formed when remains of dead animals and plants are exposed to heat and pressure over millions of years.
History of Coal
Coal is the oldest of the fossil fuels and is estimated to have been first used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Chinese invented the first practical use of coal when they began using it to smelt copper and iron ore to create weapons in the 11th century. The discovery of coal in the American Colonies in the 1600s began the industrial revolution, and it’s use has been crucial to the development of nations around the globe.
Uses of Coal
Today, coal is used for a variety of things, most notably for electrical energy production. Over 40% of the world’s electricity is generated with coal, and it’s used to power homes and businesses across many countries. It is also used in industrial heating and in the production of steel and cement.
Aside from the energy-producing uses of coal, it is also used in a variety of other applications, including as a fuel for cooking, in the manufacturing of paints, as an additive to animal feed, and in the manufacturing of plastics.
Types of Coal
Coal comes in many different varieties, including bituminous coal, anthracite coal, lignite coal, and sub-bituminous coal. Each variety has its own set of characteristics and is used for different applications.
Bituminous coal is the most commonly used type of coal and is used for generating electricity and for producing coke for steel manufacturing. Anthracite coal is the hardest type of coal and has the highest energy content. It is used primarily for domestic and industrial heating as well as for metallurgical processes. Lignite coal is the lowest-quality form of coal and is often used for electricity generation and for making synthetic fuels. Sub-bituminous coal has a lower heat content than other types of coal and is used in the production of synthetic natural gas.
Environmental Impact of Coal
Unfortunately, the use of coal has several negative environmental impacts. Most significantly, burning coal releases several pollutants into the air, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide. These pollutants can cause serious health problems, including heart and lung diseases, and can lead to acid rain. Coal mining can also have a negative impact on the environment, particularly if the mining process is not properly regulated.
Conclusion
Although coal has been an important source of fuel for centuries, its use has come at a great cost to the environment. However, with greater regulation and advances in technology, coals use can be more efficient and less harmful. In many parts of the world, coal is still one of the most important and widely used sources of energy.
