Description of the Energy Source of Coal
Coal, a sedimentary rock made up of super-compressed carbon and hydrocarbons, a type of fossil fuel, is the most common fuel for electricity production in the United States.
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Non-Renewable
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Coal is available on the earth in a finite supply. The formation of coal--the heating and compression of organic matter--takes millions of years.
Where Is Coal Found?
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Coal suitable for an energy source is found in three main regions of the United States: the Appalachian coal region, the Interior coal region and the Western coal region. Wyoming, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Texas yield the most coal.
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Uses
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Ninety-three percent of coal used in the United States is used in power plants to generate electricity. Coal also is used as an energy source in industrial plants for making steel, plastics and synthetic fibers.
Types of Coal
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Coal is classified into four different types based on its carbon content, thus the amount of energy it can yield. Anthracite contains 86 percent to 97 percent carbon, bituminous contains 45 percent to 86 percent carbon, subbitumous coal contains about 35 percent to 45 percent carbon, and lignite contains 25 percent to 35 percent carbon.
Emissions
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When coal is burned as an energy source, it emits carbon-based greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.
Volume
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In 2008, 1,171.8 million short tons of coal were mined for electricity generation and industrial use.
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