Although the use of coal has decreased somewhat with the advancement of technology and the emergence of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power plants, coal is still considered a usable energy source in some countries and regions of the world
In today's world , Coal is still used for energy production. Although the use of coal has decreased somewhat with the advancement of technology and the emergence of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power plants, coal is still considered a usable energy source in some countries and regions of the world. The use of coal to generate electricity and heat continues in some areas due to economic benefits. Also, some countries still depend on coal as a major source of energy based on their rich coal resources.
Coal is a Fossil energy source that is used in many different industries and uses. Coal is used as a main source for generating electricity in thermal power plants. Coal is a fuel that, by burning it, produces steam and sets steam turbines in motion to produce electricity. Coal is used as a fuel in industries and heating systems, such as building heating systems and industrial heating methods. Coal is used as a main material in the Steel production process. It is used as a carbon source for steel production and helps the steel to obtain desirable mechanical properties.
Coal is converted into coke through the coking process. Coke is used as an intermediate material in steel and Aluminum production processes. Coal is used as a raw material in the production of Chemical products such as detergents, rubber, plastics, paints and other industries. Coal can be chemically processed to produce synthesis gas. These gases are used as fuel in industries and cars that work with gas fuel. Coal is used as a carbon source for the electrolysis process of Bauxite (the main material of aluminum). Currently, the following countries are known as the largest consumers of coal:
- China is known as the largest coal consumer in the world. Coal-fired thermal power plants, steelmaking and steelmaking industries, and other energy-oriented industries use coal. However, China has also begun efforts in recent years to reduce dependence on coal and increase the use of cleaner energy sources such as solar and wind.
- India ranks second and is known as one of the largest coal consumers in the world. The use of coal in thermal power plants and various industries including the steel industry is common in India.
- The United States has historically been one of the largest producers and consumers of coal. However, in recent years, coal consumption has declined in the country, and cleaner energy sources such as natural gas and wind and solar power plants are being used more.
- Germany is also known as one of the largest consumers of coal in the world. However, in recent years there have been efforts to reduce the use of coal and transition to cleaner energy sources such as wind and solar in Germany.
Using coal in thermal power plants causes air pollution. Coal fuel emits pollutants such as greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and sulfur oxides) and suspended particles (such as fine solid particles), which harm the air quality and human health. Coal mining and harvesting activities mainly lead to the loss of local flora and fauna, the destruction of natural landscapes, and the destruction of mineral lands. These activities can lead to the loss of vital habitats for many migratory species and animals.
In coal mining and processing processes, local surface and groundwater may be contaminated. Water pollution with the release of various pollutants such as heavy Metals and Chemicals may have serious environmental and health effects on waters and aquatic organisms. Coal fuel contains carbon, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when it burns. This greenhouse gas magnifies the greenhouse effect and causes climate change and global warming. Coal consumption is still ongoing in many countries today. However, due to the negative environmental impacts and climate changes that occur as a result of using coal, many efforts are being made worldwide to reduce the use of coal and replace it with cleaner energy sources.
Many countries have implemented policies and programs to gradually move away from coal and towards clean and sustainable energy sources. This includes investing in reflective energy such as wind, solar, hydropower and nuclear power plants. Technological advances in the field of energy, improving coal recycling methods and increasing the use of cleaner technologies can play an important role in reducing coal consumption. Over time, clean and sustainable energy sources will become more developable and economical, and the use of coal will probably decrease over time. However, the exact time to completely stop coal consumption depends on several factors such as government policies, the development of alternative technologies and the energy needs of each country.
