The environmental effects of coal-burning are huge. But, many nations continue to develop coal power stations despite the promises made to begin to phase out coal as an energy source made during the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021.
Coal combustion is the most polluting method of producing electricity, with serious environmental consequences. In addition to the production of greenhouse gases by coal combustion, many other harmful compounds are released during this process.
However, environmental issues are not limited to the burning process. Coal extraction, transportation, storage, and disposal all contribute to additional environmental problems.
Coal Combustion Technology
However, the amount of pollution produced by coal combustion varies depending on the technology used. New coal-fired power plant technology is emerging that has the potential to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas and other harmful compounds released during the combustion process.
This new technology, known as integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) combustion, claims to significantly reduce harmful emissions. Despite the reductions in pollution caused by the use of IGCC technology, coal-fired power plants will continue to have a negative impact on the environment.
Air Pollution
Without considering the environmental impacts of mining and transporting coal, the burning process alone causes a slew of issues.
Air pollution is a major cause of environmental degradation because it emits large amounts of carbon dioxide, which contributes to increased global warming.
Acid rain and lung problems in humans and animals are caused by the release of sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxides into the atmosphere.
Smaller amounts of mercury, arsenic and lead are also produced, and these heavy metals have serious health consequences for all living organisms.
Ash From the Burning Process
The waste produced by the burning process is also extremely hazardous to the environment. The sludge produced by smokestack scrubbers is toxic, containing a variety of heavy metals that may contaminate the environment.
Because much of this waste is stored on-site at the power plant, it can easily enter the local water supply.
The water used to cool the coal-burning equipment is frequently sourced from a nearby body of water and then simply pumped back after use. This hot water, which is frequently laced with chlorine or other chemicals, may then cause other environmental issues.
Extraction and Transportation of Coal
Finally, the extraction and transportation of coal to a power plant have a variety of environmental consequences.
Because coal is primarily mined near the surface, many of the above-ground ecosystems are degraded or destroyed. Furthermore, the environmental effects of coal are not limited to the land surface where the coal is mined.
Coal is typically transported over long distances by diesel trains, which emit additional carbon dioxide and other harmful compounds.
Coal dust is also produced and adds to the amount of particulate matter in the air.
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