Coal – Energy, History, and Future Trends

Ancient Use of Coal

Coal has been used for thousands of years for heating and metalworking.

England's first energy crisis

Occurred in the 1600s, leading to increased use of coal.

Industrial Revolution

Period in the 1700s-1800s when steam engines made coal the dominant energy source.

Clean Air Acts

Regulations in the UK and US that addressed coal pollution.

EPA (1970)

Established to regulate environmental impacts of pollutants, including coal.

Surface Mining

Method of mining that involves removing topsoil to access coal, cheaper but environmentally destructive.

Underground Mining

Method of mining that involves tunneling into coal deposits, with higher safety risks.

Anthracite

Highest quality coal, characterized by high energy density and being rare.

Bituminous Coal

The most commonly used type of coal.

Sub-bituminous Coal

Lower energy coal that contains higher moisture content.

Lignite

The lowest rank of coal, with low energy density and high moisture.

Coal Transportation

Involves using rail, ships, and trucks, which can be costly due to bulk.

Washing/Grinding Coal

Processes that reduce impurities but create toxic sludge.

Fluidized Bed Boilers

Technology that captures sulfur and nitrogen during coal combustion with a 10% efficiency loss.

Fly Ash Filtration

Techniques like bag filters or electrostatic precipitation that remove particulate matter.

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

Future technology aimed at trapping CO₂ emissions from coal, though still expensive and unproven at scale.

Declining Use of Coal

Coal is the least efficient fossil fuel and is being phased out in favor of renewables and natural gas.

CCUS Adoption Challenges

Efforts to adopt CCUS could prolong coal use but face costs and technology barriers.

Reliance on Coal in Developing Nations

Developing countries may still depend on coal for its affordability.