A Brief Look at History of Coal

Author: Jim Knight

Coal is a fossil fuel. It is used world wide for generating power and is today one of the largest sources of power generation. Coal occurs in coal beds in the form rocks. The process of its formation begins when layers of plant and animal matter accumulate under a water body. Black color of coal is due its high content of carbon. Apart from carbon it also contains other elements like sulphur, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Combustible property of coal is due to presence of sulphur and oxygen in superior volume.

Coal is classified into different types based on percentage of volatiles existing in it. Most regular types that are institute are peat coal, sub-bituminous coal, lignite, graphite, bituminous coal; steam coal and anthracite. All types of coals cannot be used for producing warmness and electricity.

Coal was in employ as fuel in china from many centuries and was explored by the British only in delayed 18th century. Chinese used coal for heating purposes, boiling water, welding weapons and others. Coal

was among the elements that were dug from the earth as it was observed to make more hotness than that of charcoal. Huge traveler and explorer Marco Polo referred them as Black rocks that burn in his writings which was dismissed by his fellow men stating it as a fancy. Later in 18th century England became concentrated origin of Iron and

Coal which started industrial revolution. In the same century, people started using it for different purposes like boiling water, to run steam engines, in factories, ships etc. British evolved as a commercial head in the world for its concentrated coal reserves.

Coal deposits were fully ignored in US till industrial revolution touched the nation in the end of 18th century. Exploitation of coal beds in Pennsylvania and Virginia by legendary figures helped to beat coal

production of British in early 1900s.Power production was started in US using warmth energy from coal in early 1900s giving US World head position in removal and supply of coal.

Today coal is used for many purposes. It is used as a solid fuel for producing electricity and heat. Coal is burned in a furnace which has a water boiler, water in the boiler when turns into steam spins turbines and turns generators to generate electricity.90% of coal extracted is used for producing electricity and 40% of power in the world is generated from coal .14% of total power generated is consumed by US. More than 60% of capacity consumed by China is generated from coal. However it is inferred from the statistics that coal consumption is constantly increasing with the increase in citizens. It is estimated that coal reserves are abundant in US and can last for more than 200 years, provided rate of consumption remains unshakeable.

Coal, though main origin of power production has many adverse effects on environment. Coal releases carbon dioxide when burnt which is a main factor that is contributing to worldwide warming. Contamination of air and water ways, destruction of homes with fly ash spills are some adverse effects of coal.

For more information, please visit: www.texascleanenergyproject.com