What can I choose in the calculator?
Coal Power
Contents
- Impact
- Global market
- Definition
- Constraints
- Assumptions
- Value range
- References
IMPACT – What are the impacts of the use of energy from Coal?
Energy system
No impact on final energy demand.
Increase total fossil fuel consumption.
Likely to decreases the share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix as the cost of coal is low.
Likely to decrease energy independence by promoting coal imports.
Environment & Climate
Increases global CO2 emissions.
Likely to increase other harmful emissions such as radiation due to trace compounds in the coal.
Likely to increase deposited waste of ash from the boiler.
Society & Economy
Likely to reduce the cost of the energy transition.
May worsen balance of payments by requiring coal imports.
GLOBAL MARKET – What is the global market for Coal Power?
DEFINITION / CONSTRAINTS
DEFINITION - What is a Coal Power ?
Coal-fired power plants burn coal to generate steam. The steam is then used to drive a steam turbine which in turn drives a generator that generates electricity.
Modern, state-of-the-art coal boilers burn pulverised coal and operate at very high temperatures and pressures to achieve overall efficiencies in the range of 40–45%. Modern coal boilers also have a range of emissions control technologies that limit the emissions of harmful pollutants, such as sulphur and nitrogen oxides and mercury.
CONSTRAINTS - What are the key barriers facing Coal Power deployment?
• The primary constraint on deployment of coal power plants, at least in developed countries, is likely to come from policy. Currently the economics of coal plants are quite favourable but there is political will to phase out this technology as it is very intensive in terms of GHG emissions.