coal energy
Newsletter
Credit: Chris LeBoutillier/Unsplash
The decline of coal in the US energy mix
Natural gas and renewables are stepping in as coal's role in U.S. power generation dwindles.
In short:
- Coal's contribution to U.S. electricity production dropped to 16.2% in 2023, continuing a significant downward trend.
- The decrease in coal usage is largely replaced by natural gas and, to a lesser extent, renewables, driven by economic factors and environmental concerns.
- Challenges remain in ensuring a stable, affordable, and clean energy supply as the nation moves away from coal.
Key quote:
"It’s the economics of it — that stuff is cheap, so you use it. And it’s less carbon intensive, which is really good from a climate perspective."
— Melissa Lott, senior director of research at the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University
Why this matters:
Coal, once the backbone of industrial power generation, is increasingly seen as an outdated and environmentally harmful energy source. Its decline is accelerated by stringent environmental regulations, competitive renewable energy prices, and a shift in investment toward green technologies.
In short:
- Coal's contribution to U.S. electricity production dropped to 16.2% in 2023, continuing a significant downward trend.
- The decrease in coal usage is largely replaced by natural gas and, to a lesser extent, renewables, driven by economic factors and environmental concerns.
- Challenges remain in ensuring a stable, affordable, and clean energy supply as the nation moves away from coal.
Key quote:
"It’s the economics of it — that stuff is cheap, so you use it. And it’s less carbon intensive, which is really good from a climate perspective."
— Melissa Lott, senior director of research at the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University
Why this matters:
Coal, once the backbone of industrial power generation, is increasingly seen as an outdated and environmentally harmful energy source. Its decline is accelerated by stringent environmental regulations, competitive renewable energy prices, and a shift in investment toward green technologies.
Keep reading...Show less
Credit: desertsolitaire/Big Stock Photo
How the Utah Legislature wants to keep the feds from cleaning the air
One lawmaker has proposed legislation that would create a process for Utah to ignore rules, like air quality regulations, in the future.
Photo by Mike Marrah on Unsplash
Germany’s emissions hit 70-year low as it reduces reliance on coal
A study by the thinktank Agora Energiewende found that Germany emitted 673m tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2023, 73m tonnes fewer than in 2022.
Aemo warns coal-fired power plants could drop off before replacements are ready
Australia’s main power grid faces the “real” possibility ageing coal-fired power plants will drop out before sufficient generation capacity and transmission lines are in place, the Australian Energy Market Operator has said.
Image by Benita Welter from Pixabay
China is winning in solar power, but its coal use is raising alarms
China is building as much clean energy capacity over four years as it had promised to build in 10 years, but continues to add coal-fired power plants.
Photo by Robert Linder on Unsplash
As coal plants shutter, a chance to redevelop 'the gates of hell'
Developers are combining new strategies with state and federal funds to turn decayed power plants once considered a blemish into potential assets for economic growth.
As coal plants shutter, a chance to redevelop 'the gates of hell'
Developers are combining new strategies with state and federal funds to turn decayed power plants once considered a blemish into potential assets for economic growth.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
