Reference no: EM13567564

Scope: Coal provides much of our energy today and it is unreasonable right now to think we should stop using coal for energy. Experts are finding ways to better efficiency in coal burning. Emissions from coal always need to be considered. Motivation: Global warming is a big issue that is shown to be increasing due to CO2 emissions from coal plants. We need to increase efficiency and reduce emissions from coal plants. "Highly efficient modern coal plants emit up to 40% less CO2 than the average coal plant currently installed."[2] "Coal is the largest source of power globally and, given its wide availability and relatively low cost, it is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future."[3] This statement is not necessarily bad if we keep improving on the burning coal efficiency as well as keep reducing emissions whether it be capturing or some other form. In the modern day, there are many forms of sustainable energy producers, but until we can become completely reliant on these forms, we need to get coal at a high efficiency. Controversy: 1. Burning coal for energy is not efficient and never will be. Burning coal for energy is now around 33% efficient now, but "a successful outcome to ongoing RD&D could see units with efficiencies approaching 50% or even higher demonstrated within the next decade."[3] 2. Burning coal for electricity will never be efficient enough to outweigh the cost of CO2 emissions. Emissions contribute a great deal to the controversy and always need to be taken into consideration. Now, some say, "we need to dramatically reduce emissions over the next 40 years. That is not possible with unabated coal."[2] 3. With so much coal, and costs so low, it is hard to see ever stopping using it. It is seen to be an almost unlimited supply of coal, and with the costs of collecting and burning coal, it is hard to see ever totally living without it. We need to maximize efficiency in the production of energy from coal in until we can become fully reliant on the production of energy from sustainable methods.

Works Cited:

[1] "Improving Efficiencies." IGCC, Supercritical. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2013.

[2] "New Unabated Coal Is Not Compatible with Keeping Global Warming Below 2°C." RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2013.

[3] "Technology Roadmap: High-Efficiency, Low-Emissions Coal-Fired Power Generation." IEA. N.p., 12 Dec. 2012. Web. 27 Nov. 2013.

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