| ll be the dominant energy source in the future? Trends | | | | found all over the world, and of all energy sources, |
| are indicating that much of our energy in the future will | | | | coal is one of the most economical. Human beings |
| come from a source you are already familiar with - | | | | have used coal as an energy source throughout their |
| coal. | | | | existence. |
| According to U.S. Energy Information Administration | | | | But unfortunately, if something seems too good to be |
| forecasts, the consumption of coal worldwide will climb | | | | true, it usually is. So what are coal's major drawbacks? |
| by almost 50 percent during the next 24 years. | | | | The only real drawback with coal is its environmental |
| In fact, coal may become an important source of | | | | impact. Thankfully, research and new technology are |
| hydrogen. Hydrogen is the crucial element in the fuel | | | | making coal significantly cleaner and better for the |
| cells that are now beginning to be used in | | | | environment. |
| transportation. These fuel cells will also be a part of all | | | | Sulfur dioxide emission rates for U.S. coal-based |
| types of power for years to come. They work like a | | | | power plants were cut by more than 75 percent |
| battery, but they do not run down or need recharging. | | | | between 1970 and 2000. In addition, nitrous oxide |
| In addition these cells have far lower emissions than | | | | emission rates were cut in half. Mercury emissions |
| any combustion process. | | | | from power generation have now been controlled. |
| Why is coal in high demand? Current supplies of coal | | | | And soon the emission of greenhouse gases due to |
| could last the world at least two or three centuries, | | | | coal will be drastically lowered. |
| making it the most abundant energy source. Coal is | | | | |