What is the importance of coal in sustainable development

Understanding the role of coal in sustainable development.
Coal has long been an important source of energy globally, but when considering its significance in sustainable development, there are some key points:
  • Reliable and abundant source: Coal remains one of the most abundant energy sources worldwide, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply for economic growth and development.
  • Economic benefits: Coal mining and coal-fired power generation contribute to job creation, economic growth, and poverty reduction, especially in regions with significant coal reserves.
  • Energy access: Coal can play a vital role in providing electricity to remote and underserved areas, improving living conditions and promoting social development.
  • Bridge fuel: Transitioning to cleaner energy sources like renewables takes time. Coal can act as a transitional fuel, meeting immediate energy demands while allowing for a smoother transition toward sustainable alternatives.
  • Technological advancements: Integrated gasification and combined cycle (IGCC) and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies offer opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of coal and make it more environmentally sustainable.
However, it is crucial to prioritize the deployment of cleaner alternatives and mitigate the environmental impacts of coal, such as emissions, pollution, and resource depletion, for a truly sustainable future.
Answered a year ago
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