The problem is the speculative modern “science” which is based on an “accentuate the negative” principle.
Older science would predict a greener world from burning more coal, all else remaining the same. Literally greener.
Using modified (and much more efficient Fischer-Tropsch), we could not only be fuel and petroleum independent using coal, but could become the leading exporter of petroleum and petroleum products, killing OPEC and Russia entirely, and no longer sending billions every year to people who want to kill us.
But it's impossible because of the leftist capture of the culture.
The Left’s agenda is to destroy capitalism. Anything, and everything is open to their assault. They want to bring America to its knees so America cannot protect America’s freedom, nor protect freedom around the World as has been the case throughout history.
Destroy capitalism. Destroy the protectors of capitalism, and rebuild the World in their utopian vision. The Marxist agenda.
Wiping out coal (cheap energy) contributes to the failure of capitalism.
Of the many days I've spent in southeastern China,every single day featured pollution 50 times worse than anything I've ever seen in the US.Or in Europe or Japan,for that matter...both of which I've visited at least a half dozen times.
If here is anything resembling an air pollution crisis (doubtful,IMO) it's CHINA'S fault.
And Russia's.
Capitalism requires industry. Industry requires abundant, cheap energy. Kill energy, you’ve killed capitalism. Communists like Obama and Hillary couldn’t care less about the people who get hurt in the process. Communists are known to purposely starve millions of their own populations.
Wouldn’t it be something if Team Trump could come up with a plan to build up our merchant fleet; built and flagged in the United States. It would be a boon to the steel industry and the shipyards. What a great campaign ad that would make. Let’s build ships again and Make America Great Again.
Coal is only evil in the Global Warming cult religion. There is nothing inherently wrong with it, and it should compete on scientific and rational basis with other energy sources. NOT on the millennial neo-pagan religion of AGW
Otherwise, it is the main energy source for most of the population of the world - India, China, and Africa.
Least expensive - depends.
On a variable cost per Kw/h basis, generally, Hydro and the various “renewable” are tops, followed by nuke.
The investment/financing and the various lifecycle plus operating constraints change the picture a lot. Overall Hydro is excellent, if you can get it, Gas is really, really good with modern combined cycle systems - I have been to some new ones and they impress. Of course, gas prices can easily turn against you, and then you can be in a serious pickle, as California was in 2000-2001.
Coal I think is an essential part of a diversified generation infrastucture because it limits exposure to risks inherent in some of the other generation systems. There’s no shortage of coal and prices are stable, and typically lifecycle cost is up there with gas.
I wonder if the Fed sold the mineral rights to China, SA or Russia?
Heh - I think maybe we saw the same guy! (Seattle suburb.) Or - it was “National End Coal and drive to the store Day”.
Nothing wrong with coal, we should be using it a lot but when regulators want to get rid of something and they are given that power without oversight then you can see what happens.
Of course coal is king....It’s science.
The absolute energy of the Sun is 1.4 kw/m2 and, at best, only 80% of that reaches the Earth’s surface.
Converted into Joules that’s about 5 million joules.
1kg (2.25lb) of coal produces 28 to 40 million joules.
So to get the equivalent of 1kg of coal you would need 10 sq meters of solar cells. And that’s working at peak efficiency.
..........
But if you want efficiency. A high grade nuclear reactor produces 870 million joules PER SECOND!
West Virginia could well be Donald Trump’s best state in November, in no small part to this issue.
Coal is a key ingredient in all manner of products from paints to medicines. These people are hopeless.