How is coal used?
Coal’s widespread use results from a number of factors. It is abundant, occurring throughout the world and actively mined in more than 50 countries. Its abundance provides cost-effectiveness and a secure supply – enough reserves to last more than 200 years at current rates of consumption. Coal is more stable than oil or natural gas and therefore safer to handle and transport. Current technologies allow coal to burned cleanly.
Approximately 70 per cent of the world’s coal production is used to generate electricity. Another 18 per cent is used in steel making and the remaining 12 per cent is used for industrial and domestic purposes.
In Canada, approximately 20 per cent of electricity generation is coal fueled.
previous | next