While often perceived as an antiquated fuel source in the 21st century, coal is experiencing a significant resurgence after years of decline. Once the dominant energy source in the early 1900s, supplying nearly 90% of the nation’s energy, coal faced a downturn with the rise of cleaner alternatives like petroleum and natural gas. Today, coal fuels approximately 55% of the nation’s electricity, and that number is climbing.
Several factors contribute to coal’s enduring role in the global energy mix. It’s relatively easy and safe to transport, consistently cheaper than natural gas, and remains abundantly available. The turning point arrived when natural gas prices surged, and regions like California experienced power grid failures. This crisis pushed coal back into the spotlight. Government policies, including the easing of pollution controls under the Bush Administration, further paved the way for a renewed focus on coal-fired power.
Despite the rise in electricity generation costs from coal, it remains more economical than natural gas or petroleum. While coal has faced criticism from environmentalists regarding mercury and carbon dioxide emissions, initiatives promoting ‘clean coal’ technologies aim to mitigate pollution through advanced methods.
Currently, mines shuttered in the 1990s are being revived in the Southeastern United States. Companies like Quest Minerals and Mining are actively acquiring and reopening coal-producing properties, adhering to Clean Air Act standards. Low-sulfur coal, emitting less than 1.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million BTU, is currently valued at over $50 per ton.