Coal Fossil Fuel

A fossil fuel is described as a fuel formed from dead organisms that have been compacted under the earth’s surface in an anaerobic environment. The process of fossil fuel formation takes millions of years, and was initially facilitated by the series of geological events that occurred in those eras. Fossil fuels are primarily made of carbon in association with other elements, depending on the fossil fuel in question. The one very notable characteristic of fossil fuels is their flammable nature. That provides the basis in which they are used, since they are combusted to produce energy.

Though coal has diverse industrial uses, it is most commonly used as a fossil fuel. The heat generated is used to boil water for steam production. The steam spins turbines, which turn generators and create electricity as a result. The world heavily depends on coal for the production of electricity, with close to half of the needs being met through the combustion of coal.

The use of coal dates back to many millennia ago, and it continues to be extensively used even today. Technological advancements have made it a less suitable option to power automotive engines, and petroleum is more preferred. However, since it is occurs in abundance, and is cheaper to produce, coal is used more extensively, more so in industries where the heat is needed. Despite the rampant use of the resource, it is still abundantly occurring, and still sufficient enough to last a few more centuries, at the current rate of usage.

Coal combustion has little thermal efficiency, which averages at about 40%. As expected, there are steps geared towards improving of this efficiency, to ensure that as much heat generated is put into use. But the current percentage ranks as satisfactory, since the electricity generated seems to suffice.

As with most other fossil fuels, one problem of using coal is with the emission got from combusting it. The amount of carbon dioxide released from burning coal is alarming, and the second greatest contributor to global warming. Other pollutants like sulfur contribute to acid rain formation. In a bid to suppress all the negative effects, the use of clean coal technology has come into the picture. Methods are being employed to see reduced emissions, like chemical washing, carbon capture and storage and gasification. But the expense that goes into the use of clean coal is high, which is the biggest challenge faced.

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