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STEAM COAL

SKU : STE-COL
10 000,00₹Prix
Hors TVA

Steam Coal


Steam Coal: A Cornerstone of Global Energy with Significant Environmental Costs


Steam coal, also known as thermal coal, is a type of coal primarily used to generate electricity in power plants and to provide heat for industrial processes.Its name originates from its historical use in powering steam engines during the Industrial Revolution.Today, it remains a critical component of the global energy mix, fueling a substantial portion of the world's electricity generation.


Key Characteristics and Specifications
The quality and suitability of steam coal are determined by several key characteristics that influence its efficiency and environmental impact. These specifications vary depending on the intended use and the design of the power plant or industrial boiler.Important parameters include:


Calorific Value: This measures the amount of energy released when the coal is burned. A higher calorific value indicates a more energy-efficient coal. Values can range from around 5,500 to over 7,500 kcal/kg.


Sulfur Content: Low sulfur content is desirable to minimize the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2), a primary contributor to acid rain.[1][4] Coals with less than 1% sulfur are typically considered low-sulfur.


Ash Content: This refers to the non-combustible residue left after burning. Lower ash content is preferred as it reduces handling and disposal costs. Ash content can vary from 5% to 15%.


Moisture Content: The amount of water in the coal affects its heating value and handling properties. Lower moisture content is generally better.


Volatile Matter: This refers to the portion of the coal that is driven off as a gas when heated. The amount of volatile matter influences the coal's combustion characteristics.


The Global Market: Major Players
The global steam coal market is characterized by a handful of major producing and consuming countries.


Major Producers:
China is the world's largest producer of steam coal.
Other significant producers include the United States, India, Australia, Indonesia, and Russia.


Major Consumers and Importers:
China is also the largest consumer and importer of steam coal, driven by its significant reliance on coal-fired power plants to fuel its economy.


India is the second-largest buyer of steam coal, with demand fueled by its rapid economic growth. Other major importers include Japan, South Korea, and Germany.


Major Exporters:
The world's largest exporters of steam coal are Indonesia, Australia, and Russia.


Environmental Impact and Regulations
The combustion of steam coal has significant and far-reaching environmental consequences, leading to increased regulation in many parts of the world.


Key Environmental Impacts:
Air Pollution: Burning coal releases several harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, mercury, and other heavy metals. These pollutants contribute to acid rain, smog, respiratory illnesses, and neurological damage.


Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Coal is the largest single source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions globally, a primary driver of climate change. Coal-fired power plants are responsible for a significant portion of total CO2 emissions.


Water Pollution: The waste product of coal combustion, known as coal ash, can contaminate groundwater and waterways if not stored properly. Mining activities can also lead to acid mine drainage.


Regulations:
In response to these environmental concerns, many countries have implemented regulations to control emissions from coal-fired power plants. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established various rules under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act to limit pollutants such as mercury, acid gases, and greenhouse gases.[1][13][14] These regulations often require power plants to install pollution control technologies, such as scrubbers to remove SO2, or to meet specific emission standards.


Despite the growing concerns and regulatory pressures, steam coal continues to be a widely used energy source due to its abundance and affordability. However, the ongoing global transition towards cleaner energy sources is expected to continue to impact the future of the steam coal market.


 

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