A New Beginning for Coal
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Other.
A New Beginning for Coal
Summary:
After years of decline, the coal industry is experiencing a revival.
Article Body:
In today's world of advanced technology, why are we still relying on coal for energy? Surprisingly, after enduring years of mine closures and falling prices, the coal industry is staging a comeback.
In the early 20th century, coal was the dominant fuel in the United States, powering nearly 90 percent of the nation's energy needs, according to the Department of Energy. However, with the rise of cleaner and more efficient energy sources like petroleum and natural gas, coal's demand dwindled. Despite this, coal still generates approximately 55 percent of the nation’s electricity today?"a figure that continues to grow, as reported by the World Coal Institute.
The perception of coal has shifted over the decades, yet it remains a crucial part of the global energy landscape. Coal is easy and safe to transport, more affordable than natural gas, and widely available.
The coal industry gained renewed attention when rising natural gas prices and power outages in California highlighted coal as a reliable alternative. The industry seemed on the verge of decline until the early 2000s, when reduced pollution controls and the Bush Administration's initiatives laid the groundwork for a resurgence in coal-fired power across the country.
According to the Department of Energy, by 1999, coal was the least expensive fossil fuel compared to natural gas and petroleum. Although coal-generated electricity costs have risen, they still remain lower than those of natural gas or petroleum.
Environmental concerns persist, as coal is criticized for high mercury and carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to global warming. However, new energy policies are promoting "clean coal" initiatives, employing advanced technologies to minimize pollution from coal-based electricity.
Recently, mines that closed during the 1990s downturn are being reopened in the Southeastern United States. Companies like Quest Minerals and Mining are acquiring these sites, ensuring compliance with Clean Air Act standards. Quest reports that "low-sulfur coal," producing less than 1.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million BTU, is trading at over $50 per ton today.
With these developments, coal is poised for a promising future as an integral part of the energy mix.
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