The energy sector has been a central part of human civilization for centuries. From the time we discovered fire, to the industrial revolution and now in the modern era, our quest for a primary energy source has shaped the course of history. In this journey, coal has played a significant role as a primary source of energy.
Coal-fired power plants have been a cornerstone in global energy production for decades. They have contributed significantly to the economic growth of many nations and continue to do so. However, the use of coal as an energy source also comes with its own set of challenges, especially in terms of environmental impact.
Let’s explore the pros and disadvantages of coal, and cons of coal power plants in detail to understand their role in our current energy landscape.
What Is Coal Power
Coal power refers to the process of generating electricity by burning coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that is formed over thousands of years from dead and decayed plant matter. This carbon-rich black rock releases energy when burned, making it a potent source of electricity generation.
Coal-fired power plants work on the principle of thermal power generation. The heat produced from burning coal is used to generate steam that drives a turbine. This turbine is connected to a generator that produces electricity.
Importance Of Coal Power Plants
Coal power plants play a crucial role in ensuring a steady supply of electricity, particularly in developing countries. They provide an affordable, reliable source of power that can be ramped up or down based on demand. Furthermore, the infrastructure for coal-based power generation is well-established, making it a go-to choice for many nations.
Coal power plants not only produce energy and contribute to the energy sector but also have significant importance in employment generation and economic growth. The coal industry creates numerous direct and indirect jobs, from mining to transportation and power generation.
Coal power plants contribute significantly to global electricity production, with coal energy now accounting for approximately 38% of the world’s electricity generation, highlighting their substantial role in the energy sector.

Pros Of Coal Power Plants
1. Abundant And Affordable Energy Source
One of the main advantages of coal power plants is the abundance and affordability of coal as an energy source. Coal reserves are plentiful in many parts of the world, making it a widely available resource. This abundance and abundant supply translates into lower costs for coal-based electricity generation, providing an affordable energy solution for many countries.
The economic impact of coal ash disposal and cleanup can be significant, with incidents like the Kingston Fossil Plant coal ash spill in 2008 costing an estimated $1.2 billion in damages and environmental remediation.
2. Established Infrastructure
Another advantage of coal power plants is the well-established infrastructure for coal mining, transportation, and power generation. This makes coal a readily accessible energy source that can be utilized without substantial initial investment or setup time. The mature technology and skilled workforce available for coal-based power generation further utilize coal and add to its advantages.
3. Easy Storage And Conversion
Coal is easy to store and convert into energy. Unlike natural gas or oil, there is no hazard of fire or explosion with coal storage. Once mined, it can be safely stored for extended periods without any risk of degradation. Furthermore, the conversion of coal into energy is relatively straightforward and cost-effective, which is another reason why coal power plants are prevalent worldwide.
The average efficiency of coal power plants is around 33% to 40%, reflecting the energy losses during the conversion of coal into electricity, making them less efficient than some alternative, energy generation sources.

Cons Of Coal Power Plants
1. Environmental Challenges
The environmental impact of coal power plants is one of their major disadvantages. Burning coal produces harmful gases like sulphur dioxide, which contribute to acid rain. It also releases large amounts of particulate matter and heavy metals such as mercury and lead into the atmosphere, causing air pollution and associated health problems.
Coal mining also poses significant environmental challenges. It can lead to soil erosion, dust pollution, and large-scale land disturbance. Acid mine drainage, a toxic byproduct of coal mining, can contaminate water bodies and poison aquatic life.
Air pollution from coal combustion leads to health issues, contributing to an estimated 800,000 premature deaths annually worldwide, underscoring the public health impact of coal power plants.
2. Habitat Destruction
Coal mining, especially surface or open-pit mining, can have devastating effects on local ecosystems. It disrupts natural habitats of animals and plants, leading to biodiversity loss. Forests, grazing lands, and agricultural fields are often cleared to make way for coal mines, causing habitat destruction and fragmentation.
However, it’s worth noting that many coal companies now prioritize land rehabilitation after mining operations are complete. They reshape the area, replace topsoil, and replant vegetation to restore the land for wildlife and agriculture.
3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Coal power plants are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing substantially to global warming. When coal is burned, it releases carbon and sulfur dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
The methane released during coal mining also contributes to global warming. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas with a global warming potential much higher than carbon dioxide. While the coal industry has made strides in capturing and preventing the release of methane from coal mine, it remains a concerning issue.
Coal-fired power plants emit an estimated 10.2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, making them a major contributor to climate change and global warming.

Impact On The Environment
Destruction Caused By Surface Mining
Surface mining for coal involves removing the overlying soil and rock to reach the coal seams beneath. This process results in large-scale land disturbance and habitat destruction. The removal of vegetation and topsoil around coal deposits can lead to soil erosion and sedimentation in nearby water bodies.
Surface mining also because underground mines produces large amounts of waste rock that is often dumped in the surrounding area, further altering the landscape. In some cases, this waste material can contain toxic substances that pose a risk to local ecosystems and human health.
The mining and transportation of coal result in habitat destruction, impacting an estimated 7,000 square miles of land globally, with adverse effects on ecosystems and biodiversity.
Government Regulations And Control Measures
Governments and international organizations have introduced various regulations and control measures to mitigate the environmental impact of coal power plants. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States sets limits on the emissions of pollutants from coal-fired power plants. These regulations have helped reduce some of the environmental impacts of coal power generation.
In addition, technological advancements have made it possible to capture and store CO2 emissions from coal power plants. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves trapping the CO2 produced in power plants and storing it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. While this technology is still in its early stages, it holds promise for reducing the carbon footprint of coal power generation.
Reduction Of Pollution Through Clean Air Acts
The introduction of Clean Air Acts and similar legislation worldwide has contributed significantly to the reduction of air pollution from coal power plants. These laws set strict limits on coal use and on the emissions of pollutants like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
Many coal power plants have installed pollution control technologies to comply with these laws. Such technologies include flue gas desulfurization systems, electrostatic precipitators, and fabric filters, among other forms, which help remove harmful pollutants from the emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.
Coal power plants can operate for an average lifespan of 40 to 60 years, emphasizing the long-term commitment and impact associated with relying on coal for electricity generation.

Final Thoughts
Coal power plants have been a significant source of energy for decades, providing affordable and reliable electricity to many parts of the world. However, their environmental impact cannot be ignored. The emission of greenhouse gases, habitat destruction, and air and water pollution are serious challenges associated with coal power generation.
As we continue to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy from other fossil fuels sources, it is crucial to invest in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower offer cleaner alternatives to coal power plants, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental harm.While coal will continue to play a role in the energy mix for the foreseeable future, it is essential to prioritize the development and adoption of cleaner energy solutions.
Last Updated on November 29, 2023 by Parina