As I've been working on my series "Energy Options: Coal," I've had the opportunity to talk to my kids, ages 6 and 9, about coal and energy. They already knew that when they turn the lights on, they are using electricity. Now they know that electricity comes from either a coal-fired or a nuclear power plant. (At least, I think they get it.) It's not something we often think about. But the kids of today may have to think about it a lot more in the future.
Demand for electricity is growing as the U.S. economy grows. How we fuel that future growth is a question that needs to be answered now.
Here's what we know about coal:
- It generates half the nation's electricity.
- The U.S. has an abundance.
- It's relatively inexpensive and can be burned 24/7.
But there are drawbacks:
- Although scrubbing technology has reduced emissions, coal still pollutes.
- It's a major source of carbon emission, which is the key greenhouse gas many scientists say causes global warming.
- Technology to capture and store carbon emissions are a decade away.
With plans to build 150 power plants at various stages of development in the U.S., all these factors are being weighed. The answers aren't always clear and won't be the same in every case. But I hope my series helps you better understand the facts about coal, so you can make an informed decision.
By the way, check for additional blog entries I post about each part of the series. In fact, I plan to post one a little later today.
Comments
Coal will always be used by the US. Technology will be developed to reduce emissions causing pollution and green house effects. Higher oil prices and consumer inability to pay the bills will force the governemnt to consider coal more seriously. Nuclear is dangerous. What does the US do with the increased spent radioactive fuel? Are there enough bacteria that eat radioactive matrials to destroy it and the danger potential? The US needs to get serious about energy needs and what will be the resource used. More public awareness with repect to less electricity use and prime times for use must become a part of daily life. This requires daily advertisements. The US companies sell the public a lot of the unnecessary this way. We need advertisments in the media that focus on critical needs and wants. The courage to do this seems lacking. Profit, jobs and greed are other factors. History is a great teacher. Pay attention and you will see it repeated.
Enticing this generation to enter the dangerous work of mining will require generous salary, benefits and future protection for the miner and his or her family. I do not believe their orientation is in this direction.
Thank you.
I love your program. Coal; This industry is just like the oil/gas business. GREED. The technology exists to take most pollution out of coal but the coal companies just don't want to invest in new technology because it eats away at their bottomline. Heck, the oil companies continue to get away with it, polluting and not having to buy new technology, so why shouldn't the coal companies? In Texas, a private company bought out TXU. In the end, the new company actually agreed to scratch several coal plants and put clean energy in it's place. That's whats going to have to happen. People with money doing the right thing, the smart & ethical thing! After all, this new technolgy brings jobs to our economy. So coal execs, eat some Omega 3s and smarten up. This is a good thing for the USA.
Kat