34% of global electricity is generated from Coal

Coal is a robustly established form of fossil fuel energy that has been widely used across the globe for centuries. It is a black or brownish-black sedimentary rock that is primarily composed of carbon. Noted for its high energy content, coal has served as a fundamental powerhouse for various industries over the years. While other low-carbon energy sources such as wind, nuclear, and solar have been proliferating and gaining increased recognition for their environmental advantages, coal remains a prevalent source of energy worldwide due to its abundance and easy accessibility.

To generate electricity from coal, the process generally involves its combustion in a power plant. The coal is typically pulverized, converted into a fine powder, and then ignited to produce heat. This heat is then used to boil water and generate steam, which subsequently drives a steam turbine connected to an electric generator. In this way, the thermal energy from the ignited coal is converted into mechanical energy by the steam turbine and finally into electrical energy by the generator.

However, there are numerous disadvantages associated with the use of this fossil fuel source. Perhaps the most notable one is its carbon intensity. In terms of carbon emissions, coal averages a significant 820 gCO2eq/kWh, which makes it one of the most carbon-intensive energy sources. In sharp contrast, low-carbon energy sources such as wind, nuclear, and solar exhibit significantly lower carbon intensities, averaging around 11, 12, and 45 gCO2eq/kWh respectively.

Air pollution is another serious drawback of using coal. Coal-based power plants emit a wide range of toxic byproducts into the air, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, and heavy metals like mercury and lead. These pollutants have been linked with a range of detrimental health impacts, including respiratory diseases and heart conditions. In contrast, clean energy alternatives such as nuclear, wind, and solar energy do not produce these harmful emissions during operation, making them attractive options for sustainable, green energy.