Coal is used extensively because it is easily combustible and produces substantial amounts of energy. Though our reliance on coal has declined because of the availability of other fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, nuclear, solar, and hydropower, coal still remains a prime source of energy.
Even though coal availability is plentiful, it is still non-renewable and depleting. It will eventually run out. This is true for other non-renewable resources like petroleum and natural gas as well. In comparison, alternate energy sources such as solar energy and hydro power are inexhaustible and renewable resources.
In fact, every plant need coal with different qualities depending on their needs and compatibility with their equipment and cost efficiency.
The quality of coal is primarily measured by how well it burns, how much heat it gives out in the process, and how much ash it leaves behind after wards. These characteristics depend on how much of the
