How to Clean Coal

How To Clean Coal Summary

This article discusses whether or not coal is a practical resource to use because of all the carbon dioxide emissions that it produces which are extremely harmful to the environment and cause global warming. The article discusses how coal is easy to use because it is found in many places across the globe, but when processed causes catastrophic damages worse than oil such as smog, mercury pollution and acid rain. A solution that was recently suggested is instead of pumping the carbon dioxide into the atmosphere store it under the ground. The different types of coal and their affects on the environment are also discussed (peat, sub-bituminous, anthracite, exct.) as well as other alternatives to burning coal like gasifying the coal and maintaining it underground. It is also suggested that carbon free coal could be produced as an extra energy resource. The only problem with the gasification is just how reliable the storage areas are, and of course how the cost of storing the carbon dioxide would affect our economy.

Terms
Dragline – heavy excavation equipment used to mine coal and tar sands.
Gasification – a process that turns carbon materials like coal into carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This is done by reacting raw materials with high temperatures and oxygen or steam.
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) – The process of which coal is turned into gas.

Discussion:

Is the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) coal plant the solution to global warming? To CO2 emission reduction? To energy shortage? Reason (explain) your answers by using advantages and disadvantages of this technology.

Yes I believe that the IGCC is the solution to global warming. It will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and create a whole new source of energy (the gasified coal). It is beneficial because it drastically reduces the harmful emissions into the atmosphere as well as reduces the likelihood of smog and acid rain occurring. Its disadvantage is it is costly and it would be difficult to store that amount of carbon dioxide in the ground without any problems with leakage. An increase of natural sequestration would also be a plus. A carbon dioxide leakage would be the only disadvantage as all the extra CO2 would spill back into the environment and increase global warming.

What negative effects does injecting CO2 into the ground have on the atmosphere?

If injected into an insecure area such as an old coal mine there could be a leakage of carbon dioxide into the air.

Does Coal look like it will still be used by future generations? If so why?

Yes if it can be cleaned and gasified. Because it would utilize all the coal that we already have and dispose of the extra carbon dioxide in a efficient manner.

Which Countries rely on coal the most?

China, South Korea, India and Japan.