Why we need to end reliance on coal fired power stations – and how Black Pellets can provide a useful coalternative energy solution

Why we need to end reliance on coal fired power stations – and how Black Pellets can provide a useful coalternative energy solution

Advantages of Coal fired power stations

Coal fired power stations offer several advantages, such as its abundance, affordability, and reliability as a source of electricity. On the other hand, its drawbacks, including detrimental environmental impacts, public health risks, and contributions to climate change mean they are increasingly unpopular.

Investment in new energy sources is prolific, but coal still generates much of the world’s energy and will continue to do so unless we can harness existing power stations to burn a coalternative energy solution.  

Which countries are still using coal for a primary source of energy?

Only three active coal-fired power stations remain operational in the UK: ‎Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, ‎West Burton and ‎Kilroot power station, with a total generating capacity of 3.52GW, but as of July 2022 China alone still has 1,118 with India and the US having 285 and 225 respectively.

Why do we need to end reliance on coal?

Ending reliance on coal-fired power stations is crucial for several reasons:

Environmental Impact: Coal is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants. Burning coal for electricity generation is a significant driver of climate change and air pollution, leading to health problems and environmental degradation.

Air Quality: Coal combustion releases harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, which can harm human health and lead to smog and acid rain.

Resource Depletion: Coal is a finite resource, and its extraction can result in habitat destruction, water pollution, and disruption of local communities.

Transition to Renewable Energy: To combat climate change, the world needs to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, such as renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, etc.), which produce little to no emissions.

Could black pellets help in the transition?

Black pellets are likely to be a great help in this transition by providing an alternative to traditional coal. Black pellets are a type of biofuel made from compressed biomass, such as wood waste, agricultural residues, or other organic materials. Here's how they can contribute:

Renewable Energy Source: Black pellets are produced from sustainable biomass sources, making them renewable and reducing reliance on finite fossil fuels like coal.

Lower Emissions: Black pellets produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal when burned, making them a cleaner energy source.

Carbon Neutrality: Biomass used in black pellet production absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere during its growth, offsetting emissions when it's burned, making it potentially carbon-neutral.

Compatibility: Black pellets can be used in existing coal-fired power plants without significant modifications, making it easier to transition away from coal.

However, it's important to ensure sustainable biomass sourcing, as overharvesting or improper land use can lead to negative environmental impacts.  

The best source of biomass is therefore forest waste which, if uncleared, increases the risk of forest fires, another huge threat in a warming world.  The fact this solves two problems at the same time makes black pellets ideal for the job.

New steam explosion technology is making the production process easier than ever before and new methods of transport and logistics are likely to make the process even more environmentally friendly.

In a world where coal is still a huge energy source, black pellets provide a simple coalternative energy solution.