Why do we still use coal even though it causes pollution?

Given the environmental and safety issues, why do we still mine coal? In a world where carbon emissions are not taxed, coal is a very inexpensive and efficient way to generate electricity. Coal is also one of the most abundant energy sources in the entire world, and it’s relatively efficient for generating electricity.

Why is coal the largest source of power generation in the world?

It is by far cheaper than nuclear, natural gas, oil. Coal also provides a stable source of energy (no Arab oil embargoes, no sudden scarcity like you experience with natural gas) and there is a very plentiful supply both in the U.S. and in other foreign countries.

Why do coal plants cause global warming?

When fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the air. Greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere, causing global warming.

How does coal power plants affect the environment?

The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, increasing levels of CO2 and other gasses, trapping heat, and contributing to global climate change. Coal-fired power plants release more greenhouse gases per unit of energy produced than any other electricity source (1).

How can we reduce emissions from coal power plants?

One way to reduce CO2 emissions from a coal plant (or any other fossil-fuel burning plant, but coal is the one experts concentrate on) is to “capture” the CO2, liquefy it and bury it underground, a process known as “Carbon Capture and Storage” (or “Sequestration,” which means the same thing; in either case, the …

Do power plants cause pollution?

Power plants emit more pollution than cars: According to Environment America, power plants emitted three times as much pollution as cars in 2007. They released about 2.56 billion tons of pollutants that contribute to global warming. Most of these were from coal plants built prior to 1980.

Why are coal power plants good?

Coal-fired power plants provide affordable, reliable and constant power that is available on demand to meet energy consumption needs. As much of the world lacks access to modern, clean energy, coal is still essential to alleviating worldwide energy poverty.

Why is coal such a good energy source?

Coal is a stable, secure energy source Coal also has the unique advantage of being able to be stored on-site, providing weeks or even months of fuel supply at the power plant. This important characteristic contributes to grid reliability, resiliency and reduces fuel supply bottlenecks.

How much pollution does a coal power plant produce?

In 2016, coal plants released 1,241 million metric tons of CO2, or a 68 percent share of the total of 1,821 million metric tons, per EIA statistics. An uncontrolled coal plant releases many harmful pollutants: These include about 114 pounds of lead, traces of uranium, and 720 tons of carbon monoxide.

What are coal emissions?

Several principal emissions result from coal combustion: Sulfur dioxide (SO2), which contributes to acid rain and respiratory illnesses. Nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog and respiratory illnesses. Particulates, which contribute to smog, haze, and respiratory illnesses and lung disease.

What are the emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants?

The main emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants are carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and airborne inorganic particles such as fly ash and soot; CO2, methane, and CFCs are greenhouse gases.

How efficient is coal as an energy source?

Yet even the most efficient coal-fired power plants only operate at around 44\% efficiency, meaning that 56\% of the energy content of the coal is lost. These plants emit 15 times more carbon dioxide than renewable energy systems and twice as much CO2 as gas-fired power plants.