Lignite, also known as brown coal or black lignite, is a low-grade coal known for its especially high moisture content. It has been used to produce heat and electricity since the 19th century and is mined in numerous countries around the world, with the largest sources located in Australia, China, Germany and the United States. Although lignite is the least of the four major types of coal, its use is still significant in some parts of the world, particularly Europe where it accounts for 26 percent of total coal production.
As its name suggests, lignite has a higher content of volatile matter than other types of coal, which makes it particularly combustible. Although it produces less energy than bituminous coal and anthracite, lignite is more economical to use. It also has a lower level of carbon dioxide emissions, making it a much more environmentally friendly energy source than other forms of coal.
Typically, lignite is used in power plants to generate electricity. The process begins with the lignite being placed in a boiler, where it is burned by hot air and subjected to intense heat. This causes the high moisture content of the lignite to rapidly transform into steam, which is used to power the turbines of the power plant. As the turbines turn, the electricity generated is sent through transformers and eventually to consumers.
From an environmental perspective, lignite is a good choice because it has the lowest carbon emissions compared to other types of coal. It is also particularly efficient when burned in power plants, as the high amount of moisture present in its composition creates more steam than other coals and makes it easier to transform into usable energy.
For these reasons, lignite has become a popular choice for some power plants, particularly in Europe and North America. Although its emissions are still significant, the fact that it has lower emissions than other types of coal has made it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their climate impact. It is also nonrenewable, however, and can have an adverse effect on air quality.
Environmental groups have called for a complete phasing-out of lignite, as it causes more air pollution than other forms of energy production. For this reason, many countries are now shifting away from the energy source and instead relying more heavily on renewable energies such as solar and wind.
Despite these issues, however, lignite still has an important role to play in the world’s energy supply. It is an economical source of energy, and it can be used to provide heating and electricity to millions of people who live in regions that lack other forms of energy production. It also has potential uses in the chemical and manufacturing industries, as some of its by-products can be used to make plastics and other materials.
