Renewable Energy: Coal

Is coal renewable?

• No, coal is not a renewable energy source.

How is coal extracted?

• Coal is extracted through a process called subsurface and surface strip mining.

What is it used for?

• Mostly used for electricity and manufacturing

what Resources are used?

• Coal
• Materials to get the coal out of the ground

How is coal made?

• Generated from source.
• Formed from buried plants in ancient forests/swamps.
• The plant materials are converted to peat (a loose, brown, rich soil that is an important energy resource in some areas).

HOw is coal made?

• As more rock layers put pressure on the buried deposits, geothermal energy heats the peat and reduces the oxygen and hydrogen content in the peat, which converts it to coal.

Does coal release POLLUTANTS?

• Burning coal releases sulfate, nitrogen, and mercury into the air that can lead to an increase of acid deposition, haze, and smog

Are there any benefits?

• Coal provides a stable source of energy and provides many jobs.
• It is inexpensive to buy on open market due to large reserves and easy access ability.
• Coal is the least expensive fossil fuel because it is rather simple to mine.
• Can be used almost anywhere as long as there is enough

Are there any limitations?

• Coal produces a significant amounts of atmospheric pollution and greenhouse gas emissions when it is burned.
• Also produces mercury, which accumulates in the fatty tissues of animals and fish and can harm humans who consume them.