subject: How Dirty Fuel Gets Clean! [print this page] When many people think of clean energy, coal is probably not high on the list of main contenders! In face with the rising levels of carbon emissions given off by coal, it is a key factor in climate change. However brand new technological developments mean that coal could soon be redeeming itself, the environmental damage caused by the fuel can be reduced leading to a more economically sound version of the 'dirty fuel'. A report looking at these changes explores the potential for coal to be a clean, reliable and secure source of energy in the UK.
The actual process of 'cleaning coal' is one that requires chemically washing the minerals and impurities from the coal itself. When the coal is washed the damaging sulfer dioxide is removed via steam processes, the carbon dioxide is then captured to improve the efficiency of the conversion of the fuel into electricity. Recent developments in clean coal technology have led to carbon dioxide removal being the main focus of the process due to its growing impact on global warming. In the USA clean coal has been advertised as a way of countering the negative perceptions held about a fuel that is a primary feature in the generation of electricity. Over $50 billion has been invested in the development and deployment of technologies to further push the use of clean coal. This expenditure has so far proved wise for the US as no coal power station in the country captures and stores more than the recommended amount of C02.
Burning coal is a major contributor to climate change and global warming, clean coal technologies will hopefully reduce the amount of carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. If the UK does fully adopt new technologies to create 'clean coal' this will then have a great impact on the domestic energy market. Not only is coal a reliable source, it is a cheaper electricity source for the customer to utilize. Coal is followed by controversy therefore any steps towards creating a cleaner fuel will have to be backed by a large number of government 'big hitters'. If the UK does set an example in regards to clean coal technology this may lead to other companies jumping on the energy efficiency bandwagon and making a great contribution to the cause. With the right technology and evidence to show to reduced environmental impact, the UK may be soon embracing this 'dirty fuel'.
