The future of coal

Most energy experts believe that coal will become the most important source of energy in the future. Nearly 47% of the electricity in the world is produced by burning coal, and coal is the second most important source of electrical generation in Canada. Canada is the fifth-largest coal exporter in the world, with coal exports valued at $2.1 billion in 1989. Coal reserves should be able to last more than 200 years at 1990 production levels, compared to 50 years for oil and gas reserves. The environmental issues to be considered when burning coal include global warming and acid rain. The methods of burning coal cleanly include implementing control processes during combustion, and treating flue gases after combustion. Additional research is needed to determine the effects of coal-burning on the environment and to promote more effective decision making.
In the new Age of the Environment there are some who think coal has no future. Yet most energy analysts agree that by early in the next century, coal will [...]