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Eco-Glossary

Clean Coal

 
"Clean energy" includes energy efficiency and clean energy supply options, like highly efficient combined heat and power as well as renewable energy sources. Coal is considered a nonrenewable resource because it cannot be replenished on a human time frame. Many people believe there is no such thing as "clean coal."
 
The activities involved in generating electricity from coal include mining, transport to power plants, and burning of the coal in power plants. Initially, coal is extracted from surface or underground mines. The coal is often cleaned or washed at the coal mine to remove impurities before it is transported to the power plant — usually by train, barge or truck. Finally, at the power plant, coal is commonly burned in a boiler to produce steam. The steam is run through a turbine to generate electricity. (Source: EPA, Photo: dgmata/iStockphoto)

Recent Stories


Capture wind underground not carbon!

Fri, Mar 12 2010 at 2:58 PM EST

4 new projects show the viability of storing captured wind energy underground. So why are we still investing in far more expensive carbon capture?


New DNA-like crystals capture carbon 400% more effectively

Wed, Feb 17 2010 at 7:38 PM EST

Breakthrough 'crystal' captures CO2 and could one day turn it into a fuel or turn water into hydrogen.


Obama pushing clean coal and green jobs

Wed, Feb 03 2010 at 7:02 AM EST

President's plan would increase role of biofuel and investment in green technology.


Coal comfort: Margaret Palmer on 'Colbert Report'

Video: Margaret Palmer, professor of biology at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Studies, believes there's a better way to mine for coal than blowing the tops off mountains.


Basalt formations may turn CO2 into limestone

Wed, Jan 13 2010 at 2:17 PM EST

New analysis of basalt rock formations on the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S. reveals the possibility of cleaner coal.


Many in U.S. coal country oppose new emission regulations

Mon, Nov 02 2009 at 8:00 PM EST

Support of West Virginia crucial to passage of climate legislation.


Senior citizens to march against mountaintop removal mining

Thu, Sep 17 2009 at 4:19 PM EST

81 year old Roland Micklem is currently in jail for protesting against mountaintop removal mining and is organizing a march of senior citizens to bring attention to the evil practice.


Duke Energy quits the ACCCE

Fri, Sep 04 2009 at 1:22 PM EST

Citing the ACCCE's opposition to climate change legislation, Duke Energy drops their membership in the American Coalition for Clean Coal Energy.


Getting nude for Mother Earth

Thu, Sep 03 2009 at 10:45 AM EST

Environmentalists protesting the construction of a huge new coal-fired power plant in the UK got naked in the offices of PR giant and power plant consultant Edelman.


Every fish in America is contaminated with mercury

Thu, Aug 20 2009 at 3:54 PM EST

You read that right. Mercury has been found in every fish tested from almost 300 streams over a 7-year period. Where is it coming from? Coal.


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