Should the U.S. Build More Coal-Fired Power Plants?

Should the U.S. Build More Coal-Fired Power Plants?

You may not be fond of coal if it's in your Christmas stocking, but some see it as a useful and beneficial source of energy. Recently more energy companies have opted to build coal-burning plants, and experts are debating whether this is a viable solution to our energy needs. They say America runs on coal, but are we running in the right direction?

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Coal is an Abundant/Secure Energy Resource

American Coal Council

America is often referred to as the " Saudi Arabia of coal." The United States has the largest supply of coal reserves in the world. According to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy, 29% of total world coal reserves exist in the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data indicates that the U.S. has over 264 billion short tons of recoverable reserves; enough to last for over 234 years at current use levels.  

Coal is used in almost every state to generate 50 percent of our electricity nationally. Both government and industry forecasts indicate that coal will continue to provide the majority of American electricity for the foreseeable future. In fact, EIA estimates expect that, by 2030, coal use will have grown substantially and coal will provide 54 percent of our nation’s energy.

Coal is our most abundant fossil fuel:

  • Coal economically recoverable reserves: 264 billion short tons / 234 years (Demonstrated reserve base: 491 billion short tons)
  • Oil Reserves: 29.4 million barrels / 11.1 years
  • Natural Gas Reserves: 186.9 trillion cubic feet / 9.8 years

 

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    The American Coal Council (ACC) is dedicated to advancing the development and utilization of coal as an economic, abundant/secure and environmentally sound... More

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