Coal has been a source of energy since the early days of the Industrial Revolution in the eighteenth century. Coal has provided energy to power industries, to heat homes, and to generate electricity. It has also been used to create a wide variety of products, from plastics and explosives to steel and fertilizer.
Coal has several advantages over other sources of energy. It is relatively inexpensive to extract, is abundant, and can be easily transported. In addition, coal is a reliable and dependable fuel. The US Energy Information Administration estimates that about 90% of the world’s electricity is produced from coal.
Coal is made up of carbon and other elements, including sulfur, nitrogen, and small amounts of other minerals. Different types of coal have different properties. Generally, the harder the coal, the higher its energy content. Coal can be divided into four main categories: anthracite, bituminous, sub bituminous, and lignite.
Anthracite is the highest quality and most expensive type of coal. It has the highest energy content, so it is desirable for domestic heating and electricity production. It is also the most difficult to mine and clean.
Bituminous is the most commonly used form of coal in the United States. It is used mainly in the production of coke and steel, as well as to make electricity. Bituminous coal is generally preferable to anthracite because it is easier to mine and is of a lower grade but still has a fairly high energy content.
Sub bituminous coal is a medium-grade coal that is commonly used for electricity production. It has a lower energy content than bituminous coal and is usually less expensive.
Lignite is the lowest grade of coal, with the lowest energy content. It is typically used for heating and for electricity generation.
All types of coal produce emissions that pollute the air and contribute to climate change. Burning coal releases sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter, carbon dioxide, and other pollutants that can damage the environment and human health. Other issues associated with coal use include land reclamation, water pollution, safety risks, and the displacement of people.
Despite its environmental concerns, coal remains the world’s primary source of energy. But there is an increasing focus on finding cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower are becoming cheaper and more efficient, and there is a strong push to reduce our dependence on coal and turn to these alternative energy sources as much as possible.
