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Coal has increasingly been replaced by alternative fuel sources, like natural gas and renewables.
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Why are China and India still burning so much coal?

Jul 31, 2023
A new report from the International Energy Agency shows global demand for coal reached a record level in 2022 — and it’s not likely to go down any time soon.
Countries like India and China rely on coal for two big reasons: It’s usually cheap and available, said Sanya Carley, a professor of energy policy at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Biden administration seeks to boost carbon capture in power plants

May 11, 2023
The goal is to remove 90% of industry emissions by 2035.
Biden's plan calls for power plants that burn coal and natural gas to be outfitted with systems that capture carbon. If released into the atmosphere, the carbon would contribute to climate change.
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As natural gas prices fall, coal's comeback may be short-lived

Dec 30, 2022
The coal industry filled a gap in the global energy mix after Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent natural gas prices to record highs.
The high prices of natural gas in Europe have sparked a coal comeback. But now gas prices are falling. Above, a coal-fired power plant near Halle, Germany.
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War in Ukraine disrupts Europe's green energy plans for the moment

Dec 27, 2022
The conflict has forced the continent to rely on coal.
Snow lies in a residential area while smoke rises from the chimneys of a coal-fired power plant in the background during a sub-zero day on Dec. 15, 2022 in Korbetha near Halle, Germany.
Photo by Jens Schlueter/Getty Images

Coal makes a comeback as Europe tries to avoid an energy emergency

Oct 19, 2022
Analysts say the U.S. coal industry hasn't been able to fully capitalize on the surge in demand
The growing energy crisis in Europe means some countries are turning to coal to produce electricity. Above, coal-fired power plants in Germany.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Study finds persistent coal ash pollution in lakes

Oct 3, 2022
Climate events like more intense hurricanes are spreading the byproduct of burning coal to water used for drinking and recreation.
The coal ash left behind when coal is burned for electricity contains carcinogens and neurotoxins. Wind turbines, like the one above, are favored as an alternative by advocates of battling climate change and reducing pollution.
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Some African countries are benefiting from EU members' search for new energy sources

Jul 19, 2022
South Africa has seen a boom in coal exports. But critics say European countries shouldn't keep feeding their coal habit.
The European Union will stop importing Russian coal in August. Above, coal storage for the coal-fired power plant of the German energy supplier Steag in Duisburg, Germany.
Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images

Coal's comeback threatens global goals for fighting climate change

Countries are turning back to less expensive but carbon-heavy coal because of rising energy costs and Russia's war in Ukraine.
With the war in Ukraine restricting Europe's access to Russian energy, Germany is among the nations seeking alternative fuels for generating electricity, including more coal.
Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

The current coal boom doesn't mean the industry will fire up production anytime soon

Jun 10, 2022
The price of coal has risen due to a surge in global demand. Still, signs point toward a continued decline for the U.S. coal sector.
David Byrd looks out over a large pile of coal in his backyard. He sells the pieces to customers for heating or to blacksmiths who need a higher quality than what power plants typically use.
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