With more than 400 years of coal in reserve, the US has excelled at coal mining. Moreover, coal-mining techniques are continuously enhanced to ensure that there is a constant supply of coal for the production of power and energy. Let’s break down some of those coal mining pros and cons right now! Anonymous. Methane's global warming potential is 23 times greater than carbon dioxide. Positive Effects of Mining. Coal energy is independent of the water or the wind. Additional emissions are also released through the mining processes and delivery processes. When concentrated carbon dioxide is piped out of a plant and into the storage technology, could be potentially dangerous and deadly if inhaled. Thanks to the clean coal technologies, many of the emissions which are released during the time of the combustion phase of that resource can be captured. COAL Pros • One of the most abundant energy sources • Versatile; can be burned directly, transformed into liquid, gas, or feedstock • Inexpensive compared to other energy sources • Good for recreational use (charcoal for barbequing, drawing) • Can be used to produce ultra-clean fuel Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, this wonderful source of fuel-powered industries, steamships, and steam trains. 5. Here are the major advantages and disadvantages of coal to consider. Coal is a great source of energy because of the solar energy that has been preserved in them. Coal can be turned into a gas or even into a liquid. In addition, it also offers the ability to burn the extras during the peak demand times. There is an abundant supply of coal energy which is easy to extract and burn. With that in mind, here are the pros and cons of using coal heat. A qualified engineer must develop a mine plan and submit a permit to a state agency that oversees the mining industry. Coal combustion even has the strong concept of background radiation, more than that produced by nuclear power. The report charts the change to date and directions for the future. 1 decade ago. Beyond being fueling these processes, mining itself creates a lot of pollution. For more info on coal for your research check out the Coals major advantage is that it supplies us with electricity. Aspirin, soap, dyes and fabrics also make use of coal’s by-products. Share Article. List of Advantages of Coal 1. Part of that destruction includes the potential pollution of groundwater tables and the removal of the trees. Some of the biggest producers are China, USA, India and Indonesia. Also, coal energy is independent of climatic conditions. 2. Combusting coal has been a process of energy generation for even more than two centuries. Easy to burn: Coal is the best source of energy as it is easy to burn and produce energy, making it compatible to be used in every purpose. Coal plants release more radiation than nuclear plants. It could also lead to the eventual destruction of humanity. Beyond the huge stockpiles of coal that have already been mined by the people, there is an estimated global reserve for this fossil fuel that can be more than 1 trillion tons. 21+ Pros and Cons of Living in Bay of Plenty, 23+ Pros and Cons of Living in Hawke’s Bay, 24+ Pros and Cons of Living in Canterbury. Coal (unlike many other fossil fuels) is very plentiful and relatively cheap, simply because it doesn’t require a tremendous amount of refinement before it can be used. AND don't forget the most important thing we need electricity for - COMPUTERS. Research and Markets : Positives and Negatives For The Coal Industry Today. By: Azmina, Anna, Azizul, Pavin and Jachym Negatives Positives 2. Mountaintop removal has both advantages and disadvantages. At some point of time, our societies must look for alternatives for energy production before this resource runs out. A particular type of fossil fuel that is used in powering vehicles, petroleum has been widely used and offers people with a lot of advantages. High load factor: Coal offers continuous […] 1. ... Coal and oil are burned to power cars and our electric grid, releasing dangerous CO2 into the environment. Refined coal tar, for example, is used to produce phenol, creosote oil, naphthalene and other chemicals. The current stockpiles of coal can actually provide the world with more than a century of energy, whereas U.S based coal reserves could last over 400 years. Kentucky Coal Facts Book, it has lots of information about coal from how it was formed to how it's used to make electricity. Various Bi-products of coal mining including arsenic, selenium, sulfur dioxide, and mercury Miners who inhale coal dust can develop a chronic condition which is called Black Lung Disease. What is the benefits and negatives of using coal? The "stacks" put a lot of sulphur into the air. Pros and Cons of Fossil Fuels. This power resource could be altering the way how our planet is able to function. ), schools, and at work. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are very efficient sources of power compared to other source of energy known today (excepting nuclear power). Ash from coal is a disposal and a hazard problem. Clean Coal Technology Pros and Cons It is a known fact that coal is a nasty thing. Lifting this moratorium had allowed for various companies to begin excavating fossil fuel from public lands so that more and more coal energy could be produced. Geographically speaking, mines are often in remote hard to reach areas outside of existing infrastructure and power grids. Coal is considered a fossil fuel that traces back to prehistoric times. One of the benefits of using coal energy is that it is usually a cost-effective resource of energy. Great care is taken during mining to protect the environment. The most common type of coal used for home heating is anthracite, the hardest type of coal. Safety . Coal contains methane, a combustible and potent greenhouse gas. Unfortunately, coal has negative impacts, which leave the world torn between two ends of the spectrum. Anonymous. 1. There are two main reasons for this: one is that there is plenty of coal still available and the second reason is that, at least among fossil fuels, it is the cheapest available. Although there are huge stockpiles and large deposits of coal to generate energy in the world of today, it is a fossil fuel. 5. Coal and oil are burned to power cars and our electric grid, releasing dangerous CO2 into the environment. Coal is an affordable and number one source of energy for manufacturing plants and home appliances. It is an abundant energy source. We shouldn't use coal to much because is not good for are Earth but we have to because of electricity. A number of pros and cons are presented here. It should be pointed out that if power plants continue burning fossil fuels to generate electricity, the earth as a whole is living on borrowed time. In a country worried about their GHGE (Green house gas emitions), Coal seam gas mining can have some benifits, however many argue thedisadvantages are far greater and therefore simply not worth the risk. Coal quality is therefore determined by the type of vegetation that formed it, how deep it is buried, and what pressure and temperature is present at the site of the deposit. Coal is a very abundant natural resource for the United States. Aloha. Coal Pros And Cons: The True Advantage Of Coal Energy . Coal is not only a vital source of energy for electric power generation, but also as a valuable upgraded product that can be used in high-value, specialized markets such … Despite the fact that clean coal is a positive evolution in the field of coal energy, people are essentially using the same technologies that our forefathers developed in the industrial revolution. In order to find out whether the positives outweighed the negatives, both sides have to be compare without any biased opinions, but instead based on facts. Carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere in a huge amount when coal is combusted for fuel. 1. Although it is an inexpensive resource and provides reliable power, the potential damage to the planet may outweigh considerable amount of the benefits that can be achieved. 3. By Juan Ramos. Abundance of Coal Supply The presence of coal in every continent and over seventy nations around the world has enabled the supply almost eternal in nature. Coal can be a proven technology, but it is not free from risk. In return, burning coal may have also contributed to climate changes that are being experienced today. In Kentucky, coal supplies 96% of our electricity. Renewable energy resources, such as solar or wind power, might not have the same emissions as that of coal, but they cannot be used for all around the clock either. List of Cons of Coal Seam Gas. Coal energy has three main advantages when compared to other sources of renewable and nonrenewable energy. Pros: 1. We believe that an unbiased look at the positives and the negatives of coal shows that the case against coal rests on widespread myths and that the truth is coal is good for our lives, good for our health, good for our environment–good for human progress. Coal is an affordable and number one source of energy for manufacturing plants and home appliances. People who are exposed to coal and its emissions have an increased risk of experiencing asthma and … As you probably know electricity runs just about everything in our homes (T.V., lights, refrigerator, oven, hair dryer etc. It is with this fact that advanced pulverized coal fired power plants are designed to support the grid system in avoiding blackouts. Even before the industrial sector had discovered the ways to harness the power that coal energy possesses, businesses and homes were throwing the coal into fireplaces in order to warm their houses. Coal has and been used to create A coal seam fire in the New Castle, Carbon monoxide has been burning for more than around 120 years. It is abundant, relatively inexpensive and requires lower capital expenditures to construct a coal-burning power plant. There is an abundant supply of coal energy which is easy to extract and burn. The only time that coal mining may be halted is when the … Positives of coal mining in Mpumalanga The biggest positive that coal mining has caused is the economic growth. Locally, it provides much-needed jobs and investment capital. Finding out about coal. Dependency on Fossil Fuels By using coal seam gas, we’re continuing to be dependent on fossil fuels. Primary energy source. I can state 5 solutions to the issue. Favorite Answer. Whereas other fossil fuels, at currently existing consumption levels and without any new deposit discoveries, will not last the century, coal gives the people of the world, security in knowing that the present society and the lifestyle have the potential of being around for so many years to come. We know it but coal is such a cheap energy source that we don’t want to let go of it. Steam turbines were the first method of generating electric power on a large scale, and even in the modern world, technologies such as coal, natural gas and even nuclear power generation rely on steam to generate the power that drives the world. Solar energy is preserved by all living plans thanks to photosynthesis. January 2, 2018 - Coal continues to be a popular energy source in many countries around the world. So, in the developing countries electricity can be produced easily without much expense and abundantly. It shows that the usage of coal can relate to increase the economy of the country. Finished on May 22, 2014 The positives The positives of coal Of Coal Coal is a cheap source of The permit includes a plan for protecting the environment (ground water, surface water, disposing of mine wastes safely), and reclaiming the land when the mining is done. If the wind stops blowing or if the sun sets down, the community must depend on the saved energy through the batteries. In the U.S. about 56% of electricity comes from coal. List of Advantages of Coal. Many believe that coal is an outdated, dangerous fuel of the past. Despite the fact that clean coal is a positive evolution in the field of coal energy, people are essentially using the same technologies that our forefathers developed in the industrial revolution. Coal is formed through carbonization, and it is classified based on the amount of carbonization it has undergone. That means that it is a finite resource and not renewable. Let us discuss the pros and cons of coal to have a better understanding of this mineral. Engineers would also throw coal into the boilers for creating steam energy for transportation and other purposes. The disadvantages of coal are the mining process (the way we get it out of the ground) and pollution that occurs when coal is burned. Coal plants may release greater amount of radiation as compared to nuclear plants. However, just like other energy sources, it also has its Clean coal technologies help to limit the emissions that are released. That is because of the fact that the particulate counts are minimized through this entire process of conversion without compromising with the high load factor that is being generated during the process. Because this fuel resource not at all expensive, the power that it produces and gets consumed is also comparatively inexpensive. Coal is the result of millions of years of vegetation being accumulated and altered. Should it continue? Relevance. Finally, steam power led to the one invention that made the modern world possible: electricity. Coal supplies around 30% of the primary energy needs all over the world, generating 40% of electricity. It is inexpensive to mine coal. These are some of the positives and negatives associated with electricity and on the whole, it may seem that the positives outweigh the negatives. Mining is a vital driver role of economic growth in numerous countries. Pros: 1. 8. When this process has been done, the coal energy burns cleaner than it would have if the natural resource were being burnt in the natural state. It burns less of fossil fuels, hence makes it a good option to build a good economy of the country. Another good sight is the Kentucky Geological Survey at S.C: I can state 5 pros of coal. In eastern KY where the land is steep and mountainous, surface mining leaves large areas of flat land. 1 1. Economic Growth. Coal emissions are linked to health concerns. List of Pros of Coal Energy. Although it is an inexpensive resource and provides reliable power, the potential damage to the planet may outweigh considerable amount of the benefits that can be achieved. Image source: theenrgymix.com Coal energy is a non-renewable source of energy used to generate electricity. This flat land has been used for airports, schools, and shopping malls. The positives are that they have a large selection to choose from at relatively low prices but the negatives are that most of their items have to be assembled by the buyer. Coal for human and environment. Energy produced from coal fired plants is cheaper and more affordable than other energy sources. It burns hot and long, producing 13,000 to 15,000 BTU’s per pound. Answer Save. 4. The infrastructure was created around the idea that coal would fuel it. This puts a limit on the potential damage to the environment and the atmosphere while maintaining the current infrastructures. Burning coal emits mercury and other heavy metals that pose major health risks. Anthracite’s dense composition results in high energy efficiency. Mining of coal is considered as the second biggest methane emitter, which is a strong greenhouse gas. 7. For many areas out there, coal is just a few cents per kilowatt-hour and this fact makes the energy resource available for almost everyone. In order words, present-day coal is nothing but what remains of prehistoric vegetation. Because there is such a destructive potential to coal energy, depending on it for the energy can make society go backward instead of ahead. In the U.S. about 56% of electricity comes from coal. 1. 9. The price of one ton of coal can be around as much as it might cost a family of four to have lunch outside. In Kentucky, coal supplies 96% of our electricity. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are used today as main sources of energy on the planet because they are cheap even if we are aware of the fact that they are polluting the environment. Coal is a type of rock, that is black or brownish, and that is burned to produce energy. High load factor: Coal offers continuous […] Abundance of Coal Supply The presence of coal in every continent and over seventy nations around the world has enabled the supply almost eternal in nature. While they are good for us in many ways, they are bad for the environment, and as a result, coal seam gas is not perfect in … Coal’s ability to supply power during peak power demand either as base power or as off-peak power is greatly valued as a power plant fuel. It is to address the issues involving coal energy and you can be the judge if this energy source is reliable or not. Carbon, when dissolved, is also strongly acidic in nature and could add toxins to the groundwater tables of the planet. coal gives loads more jobs than nuclear, natural gas, oil, hydroelectric Prezi! When looking at the method of carbon capture and storage, the technologies to turn current coal-fired plants in order to clear coal could considerably increase the cost of energy for the individual consumers. Its highly inflammable property makes it a grounded and admirable choice to be … Also, there is the added danger of having a fire starting in a coal mine. As of 2017, coal energy is responsible for … Coal is abundant in the US. Coal combustion can also produce mercury, nitrous oxide, heavy metals, and other potential environmental dangers. 1. One of the greatest advantages of coal fired plants is reliability. List of Pros of Coal Energy. The coal energy pros and cons altogether show us that this technology has had a positive impact on society in the past, but the future may lie elsewhere. Image source: theenrgymix.com Coal energy is a non-renewable source of energy used to generate electricity. Coal, undoubtedly, has been a primary source of world fuel. As of the year 2017, coal energy is what responsible for about half of the total amount of electricity being generated in the United States of America. It can make it difficult for the person to breath and will decrease their overall quality of life. With coal clean technology, there are higher radiation levels. This energy can produce electricity 24/7 without any dependence on the natural source other than the coal. Countries like the United States, India, China and Indonesia produce coal, a sign that from third to first world countries, it is a popular mineral. The different types of coal include Peat, which is the least rank of coal, and Anthracite coal… Live Science estimates that some carbon capture and storage technologies can raise the price of energy by up to 75% or more. The coal energy pros and cons altogether show us that this technology has had a positive impact on society in the past, but the future may lie elsewhere. The international coal market is in a period of dramatic change. www.uky.edu/KGS/home.htm. Benefits of Coal. The negative effects of coal mining cannot be disputed: Coal burning releases SOx and NOx which both cause acid rain. It can also be called upon at any time. Over 90 percent of the coal that is consumed in the United States is … A fact sheet by a company called Oresome Resource outlines some of these: Advantages - Methane gas is a useful energy source… The emissions are also linked with increased levels of asthma and lung cancer for local populations as compared to the other forms of energy. L.I. When coal energy is burned at a coal-fired power plant, produces more outward radiation exposure as compared to a nuclear power plant would generate. The average efficiency of a coal power station today is around 31%, while a modern coal fired power plant could have an efficiency around 40%. With coal energy, it can be accessed whenever there is a need for power, including the ability to burn extra during peak demand times. 1. In 2017, March, President Donald Trump had lifted a moratorium that had been there in place for the Federal coal leases granted by the United State government. We disagree. Coal can be an amazing energy resource. Demand and the coal producing countries are changing and a new global pattern has emerged. It is to address the issues involving coal energy and you can be the judge if this energy source is reliable or not. 5 Answers. The key here is to continue the discussion in hopes that, one day, the government, coal companies and residents in mining areas can enjoy the pros without experiencing a lot of the cons. Coal itself is also used on specialist products, including activated carbon that is used to manufacture water filters, air purifiers and kidney dialysis machines. 1 decade ago. With coal, we all know that we have ample energy available through the infrastructure which supports its delivery. Pro: Efficient . And if these radiations are tried to be brought under control, it would only increase the costs, both capital and operating of the coal-fired power plant. But, with coal energy, it can be accessed whenever there is a power requirement. There are 2 ways to mine coal – Strip Mining and Underground Mining – both ways have their own impact to the environment and health. Let’s examine the positive and negative effects of mining. The effects of mining coal on the environment. Unfortunately, coal has negative impacts, which leave the world torn between two ends of the spectrum. Coal is formed from the remains of vegetation life that grew over 400 million years ago. Here are the pros and cons of coal mining to consider. I can state 5 cons of coal. Coal is not only a vital source of energy for electric power generation, but also as a valuable upgraded product that can be used in high-value, specialized markets such as :carbon filters, and coke for the steel industry. But, one of the biggest disadvantages of using coal energy is its potential damage to the environment and the atmosphere. 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