COAL

Q1) How is the fuel produced

Hundreds of millions of years ago, forests and organic plant matter submerged in the ground
undergoing immense pressure in the process.This eventually forms coal over a period of time.
This process is known as carbonisation.
The conditions that would eventually create coal began to develop about 300 million years ago,
during the Carboniferous period. During this time, Earth was covered in wide, shallow seas and
dense forests. The seas occasionally flooded the forested areas, trapping plants and algae at
the bottom of a swampy wetland. Over time, the plants (mostly mosses) and algae were buried
and compressed under the weight of overlying mud and vegetation.

As the plant debris sifted deeper under Earth’s surface, it encountered increased temperatures
and higher pressure. Mud and acidic water prevented the plant matter from coming into contact
with oxygen. Due to this, the plant matter decomposed at a very slow rate and retained most of
its carbon (source of energy).

Types

Q2) How is coal harnessed?

What happens when coal is burned?
When coal is burned, it reacts with oxygen in the air and all the stored solar energy is turned
into thermal energy and released as heat. However, this chemical reaction also produces
carbon dioxide and methane, greenhouse gases which are harmful to the environment. So
when we talk about decarbonising our electricity system, it means we stop using fuel sources
that emit carbon into the atmosphere.

Coal use for electricity generation

Coal-fired power plants burn coal to make steam and the steam turns turbines (machines for
generating rotary mechanical power) to generate electricity. Many industries and businesses
have their own power plants, and some use coal to generate electricity for their own use, mostly
in combined heat and power plants.

How is Coal mined?

An open-pit coal mine is a huge hole in the ground with terraces along which earth-moving
vehicles excavate seams. It looks a bit like a sports stadium. The largest open-pit mines are
several kilometres long and hundreds of metres deep.First of all, the layer of earth – overburden
– above the first coal seam has to be removed. (The seam can be up to 200 metres below the
surface.) All the earth around the base of the seam is removed before extraction begins. When
the hole is large enough, the miners dig down to the next layer of coal. Each layer is called a
bench.Huge excavators extract the coal. The biggest of these machines is 240 metres long
(longer than two soccer stadiums) and 96 metres high (equivalent to a 38-story building). The
buckets on the excavators can hold up to 300 metric tons of rock.Open-pit mining costs less
than underground mining and is therefore more profitable in terms of productivity. Working
conditions in these mines are also much safer. However, open-pit mining is less acceptable from
an environmental standpoint, because it disfigures the landscape and causes dust pollution.

Q3) How prevalent is coal in India?

Abundance-
 ➔ Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India. It accounts for 55% of the
country's energy needs. The country's industrial heritage was built upon indigenous coal.
Prevalent-
➔ India has the fourth largest coal reserves in the world. As of 1 April 2021, India had
352.13 billion metric tons (388.16 billion short tons) of the resource.

➔ India is one of the largest consumers of coal globally, and it has substantial coal
reserves. Coal has traditionally played a crucial role in meeting the country's energy
needs, particularly in power generation and industrial processes.

The prevalence of coal in India is evidenced by the fact that a considerable portion of the
country's electricity generation comes from coal-fired power plants. However, India has
been making efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on coal due to
environmental concerns, air pollution issues, and the global shift towards cleaner energy
sources.

Q4) What is the energy content of coal and how does it compare to the other available fuels?

The energy content of coal can vary depending on its type or grade, with different coals
having different calorific values. Calorific value is a measure of the amount of energy
released when a specific amount of the fuel is burned. Typically, coal's calorific value is
measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) or megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg).

Approximate calorific values for different types of coal:

Calorific value is the amount of heat energy present in food or fuel and which is
determined by the complete combustion of specified quantity at constant pressure and in
normal conditions.

Anthracite Coal: 25-35 MJ/kg

Bituminous Coal: 20-30 MJ/kg
Sub-Bituminous Coal: 15-25 MJ/kg
Lignite (Brown Coal): 10-15 MJ/kg

Comparing the energy content of coal with some other common fuels:

Natural Gas: Natural gas has a calorific value of around 45-55 MJ/m³, or approximately
50-55 MJ/kg.

Crude Oil (Petroleum): The calorific value of crude oil can vary, but it is typically in the
range of 35-45 MJ/kg.
 Wood: The calorific value of wood depends on the type of wood and its moisture content,
but it generally ranges from 15-20 MJ/kg.

Hydrogen: Hydrogen has a very high calorific value, around 120 MJ/kg.

It's important to note that while coal has a significant energy content, it also has
environmental implications due to the release of pollutants and greenhouse gases when
burned. As countries aim to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources,
there is increasing emphasis on renewables like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power,
which offer cleaner alternatives with lower environmental impact.

Question 5

Coal Rank:
Higher rank coals (anthracite): High carbon content, dense structure -> Strong intermolecular
forces -> Higher activation energy for combustion .
Lower rank coals (lignite): More volatile matter, loose structure -> Weaker intermolecular forces
-> Lower activation energy for combustion .
Functional Groups:
Oxygen-containing groups (alcohols, phenols): Act as reaction initiators, releasing energy and
lowering overall activation energy .
Significance:
Understanding the link between composition and activation energy is crucial for:
Optimising combustion efficiency: Tailoring processes to specific coal characteristics can
minimise energy waste .
Minimising harmful emissions: Efficient combustion reduces incomplete burning and pollutant
formation .

Question 6

Energy Content:
Rank (higher vs. lower): High-rank coals like anthracite, rich in carbon, offer high calorific value
(CV) due to efficient energy packing. This makes them ideal for power generation where heat
output is paramount .
Lower-rank coals like lignite, containing more volatile matter, possess lower CV but release their
energy readily. This suits them for industrial processes demanding rapid heating .
Chemical Makeup:

Functional groups: The presence of oxygen-containing groups (alcohols, phenols) promotes

reactive behaviour due to their ease of breakdown. This characteristic makes them suitable for
coal gasification, a process converting coal to cleaner-burning fuel ).
Sulphur content: High sulphur content raises environmental concerns due to harmful emission
formation. Coals with low sulphur content are sought after for cleaner combustion .
Tailoring Utilisation: Understanding coal's chemical fingerprint allows for targeted applications.
By matching compositional features to specific industrial needs, we can achieve optimised
usage and reduced waste.
Sources:

Q9) Outline the environmental benefits and challenges using the fuel

Benefits
-abundance : widely available resource, reserves all around the world, long-term energy security

Challenges/ Impacts:
-When coal is burned it releases a number of airborne toxins and pollutants. They include
mercury, lead, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, and various other heavy metals.
Health impacts can range from asthma and breathing difficulties, to brain damage, heart
problems, cancer, neurological disorders, and premature death.

● -Several principal emissions result from coal combustion:

● Sulphur dioxide (SO2), which contributes to acid rain and respiratory illnesses
● Nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog and respiratory illnesses
● Particulates, which contribute to smog, haze, and respiratory illnesses and lung
disease
● Carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the primary greenhouse gas produced from burning
fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas)
● Mercury and other heavy metals, which have been linked to both neurological and
developmental damage in humans and other animals
● Fly ash and bottom ash, which are residues created when power plants burn coal

-Underground mines generally affect the landscape less than surface mines. However, the
ground above mine tunnels can collapse, and acidic water can drain from abandoned
underground mines.Other water impacts include acid rock drainage from coal mines, the
obliteration of mountain streams and valleys by mountaintop removal mining, and the
energy-water collisions that occur when coal plants rely too heavily on local water supplies.

-Methane gas that occurs in coal deposits can explode if it concentrates in underground mines.
This coalbed methane must be vented out of mines to make mines safer places to work. In
2020, methane emissions from coal mining and abandoned coal mines accounted for about 7%
of total U.S. methane emissions and about 1% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (based
on global warming potential). Some mines capture and use or sell the coalbed methane
extracted from mines.

-Coal-fired power plants produce more than 100 million tons of coal ash every year. More than
half of that waste ends up in ponds, lakes, landfills, and other sites where, over time, it can
contaminate waterways and drinking water supplies.

-Climate change is coal’s most serious, long-term, global impact. Chemically, coal is mostly
carbon, which, when burned, reacts with oxygen in the air to produce carbon dioxide, a
heat-trapping gas. When released into the atmosphere, carbon dioxide works like a blanket,
warming the earth above normal limits. Consequences of global warming include drought, sea
level rise, flooding, extreme weather, and species loss. The severity of those impacts is tied
directly to the amount of carbon dioxide we release, including from coal plants. In the United
States, coal accounts for roughly one-quarter of all energy-related carbon emissions.

Sources:
chem.libretexts.org
Q7) Describe the chemical transformation when the fuel is burned and the energy is released.
C(s)+O2(g)→CO2(g)+energy
The carbon from the coal combusts with oxygen to create carbon dioxide.
The process of burning fuel involves a chemical reaction known as combustion, typically with
oxygen from the air. The most common example is the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, such
as gasoline in a car engine or natural gas in a stove. The general chemical equation for the
combustion of a hydrocarbon can be represented as follows:

Fuel (hydrocarbon)
+
Oxygen
→
Carbon Dioxide
+
Water
+
Energy
Fuel (hydrocarbon)+Oxygen→Carbon Dioxide+Water+Energy

For example, in the combustion of methane (CH₄), the primary component of natural gas, the
equation is:

During combustion, the carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds in the fuel molecules break, and new
bonds form between carbon and oxygen (producing carbon dioxide, CO₂) and hydrogen and
oxygen (producing water, H₂O). This process releases a significant amount of energy in the form
of heat and light.

The overall reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases energy. The energy released during
combustion is typically harnessed for various applications, such as generating heat, producing
steam, or driving engines. In internal combustion engines, for instance, the energy released
during the combustion of fuel is used to perform mechanical work, ultimately powering vehicles
or machinery.

Q8) Is your fuel a renewable or non-renewable energy resource of energy & why?
Coal is considered a non-renewable energy source. Coal is formed over millions of years from
dead plants which undergo various geological processes. The lengthy time frame required for
the formation of coal thus makes it a non-renewable energy source on human timescales

Q10) Outline the social benefits and challenges from using coal.

Benefits:

Sources: smnet.org
Sciencedirect.com

1. Job Creation: The coal industry has historically provided employment opportunities,
supporting communities in mining regions. This has been a crucial factor in certain
economies.Energy
2. Security: Coal contributes to energy security by providing a stable and reliable source
of power. It has played a significant role in meeting the energy demands of many
nations.
3. Affordability: Coal is often seen as a cost-effective energy source, which can contribute
to lower electricity prices, making energy more affordable for consumers.

Challenges:

Sources: World health organisation

IPCC

1. Health Impacts:Exposure to pollutants released during coal combustion can lead to

respiratory problems and other health issues, affecting communities living near coal-fired
power plants.
2. Environmental Degradation:Coal mining and its associated activities can result in
deforestation, habitat destruction, and water pollution, impacting ecosystems and
biodiversity.
3. Community Displacement:Coal mining often requires land acquisition, leading to the
displacement of communities and disruption of traditional ways of life.
 4. Climate Change:The combustion of coal is a major contributor to greenhouse gas
emissions, exacerbating climate change and its associated social and economic
consequences.
5. Water Usage and Contamination:Coal extraction and processing can require significant
water resources, leading to competition for water and potential contamination of water
sources

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2020.106482
Google Scholar

Title: In-Depth Analysis of Coal: Formation, Utilisation, and

Multifaceted Implications

Abstract:

This exhaustive research paper undertakes an intricate exploration of coal, spanning its
geological formation, extensive prevalence in India, energy content comparison with various
fuels, chemical intricacies during combustion, and the intricate social and environmental
repercussions of its usage. The paper integrates data from diverse sources to provide a
comprehensive understanding of coal's multifaceted role in our energy landscape.

Introduction:
Coal, a fossil fuel with a complex geological genesis, serves as a cornerstone of India's energy
sector. This paper seeks to unravel the geological processes that spanned hundreds of millions
of years, resulting in coal formation. India's substantial reliance on coal, constituting 55% of its
energy needs, highlights the pivotal role of this fossil fuel, necessitating an in-depth analysis of
its composition and combustion processes.

Aim:

We aim to undertake this exploration of coal, by answering a few questions.

● How is coal produced?

● What is the process of harnessing this fuel?
● How prevalent is the use of coal in India?
● What is the energy content of coal and how does it compare to other available fuels?
● What is the composition of coal and how does it impact the activation energy?
● What role does coal’s composition play in how and where it is used? Is it a perfect fuel?
● Describe the chemical transformation when coal is burnt and energy is released ?
● Outline the environmental benefits and challenges from using coal.
● Outline the social benefits and challenges from using coal.

Formation of coal:

The conditions that would create coal began to develop about 300 million years ago, during the
Carboniferous period. During this time, Earth was covered in wide, shallow seas and dense
forests. The seas occasionally flooded the forested areas, trapping plants and algae at the
bottom of a swampy wetland. Over time, the plants were buried and compressed under the
weight of mud and vegetation that was covering it. As the plant debris sifted deeper under
Earth’s surface, the temperatures and pressure increased significantly. Mud and acidic water
prevented the plant matter from coming into contact with oxygen. Due to this, the plant matter
decomposed at a very slow rate and retained most of its carbon. These areas of plant matter
are called Peat, which can be burned as a source of fuel, but if you let it decompose further, it
turns into more refined sources of coal called Lignite, Sub-Bituminous, Bituminous and
Anthracite.

Types of Coal:

There are mainly four types of coal:

● Peat:

Peat is not entirely coal, but under the right circumstances, can become coal.

It is an accumulation of partly decaying plant matter that has gone through a small amount of
carbonization. It can be used as a source of energy while burning but is not the most effective
type of coal to burn. Peat is an important source of energy in many countries, including Ireland,
Scotland, and Finland, where it is dehydrated and burned for heat

Peat retains enough moisture to be spongy. It can absorb water and expand the bog to form
more peat. This makes it a valuable environmental defence against flooding. Peat can also be
integrated into soil to help it retain and slowly release water and nutrients. For this reason, peat
and so-called “peat moss” are valuable to gardeners.

● Lignite:

Lignite coal is the lowest rank of coal. It has carbonised past the point of being peat, but
contains low amounts of energy—its carbon content is about 25-35 percent. It comes from
relatively young coal deposits, about 250 million years old.

Lignite is a brown crumbly rock called Brown Coal.

Prevalence of Coal in India:

India, with the fourth-largest coal reserves globally, relies heavily on this abundant resource. A
detailed examination of India's coal reserves, which stood at 352.13 billion metric tons as of
April 1, 2021, underscores the nation's intricate relationship with this fossil fuel. The prevalence
of coal is evident in the significant portion it contributes to India's electricity generation,
emphasising its foundational role in the country's industrial and energy landscape. India has the
fourth largest coal reserves in the world.

Energy Content and Comparison:

Calorific values serve as a benchmark for understanding the energy content of various coal
types. Anthracite, bituminous, sub-bituminous, and lignite coal exhibit distinct calorific values,
influencing their applications. A comprehensive comparison with other fuels, including natural
gas, crude oil, wood, and hydrogen, elucidates the intricate trade-offs between energy efficiency
and environmental impact.

Approximate calorific values for different types of coal:

Anthracite Coal: 25-35 MJ/kg

Bituminous Coal: 20-30 MJ/kg
Sub-Bituminous Coal: 15-25 MJ/kg
Lignite (Brown Coal): 10-15 MJ/kg

Chemical Transformation during Combustion:

The combustion process involves a detailed chemical transformation, where carbon reacts with
oxygen to produce carbon dioxide.

C(s)+O2(g)→CO2(g)+energy

This section delves into the nuanced chemistry behind coal combustion, exploring the release of
byproducts and pollutants that contribute to environmental concerns. Particular attention is
given to strategies for optimising combustion efficiency while mitigating harmful emissions.
 Renewability of Coal:

A meticulous examination of coal's non-renewable status delves into the geological time frame
required for its formation. The paper dissects the intricate processes that shaped coal over
millions of years, reinforcing its non-renewable classification on human timescales. This section
provides a geological context that underscores the challenges associated with sustainably
harnessing coal as an energy resource.

Social Benefits and Challenges:

The socio-economic dimensions of coal utilisation are explored in detail, covering historical job
creation, energy security, and affordability. Concurrently, the challenges arising from health
impacts, environmental degradation, community displacement, and coal's contribution to climate
change are systematically analysed. Real-world examples and case studies add depth to the
discussion, highlighting the nuanced interplay between coal and societal well-being.

Chemical Composition and Activation Energy:

An in-depth analysis of coal's chemical composition is conducted, focusing on rank-related

variations and the influence of functional groups. Higher-rank coals like anthracite,
characterised by strong intermolecular forces, exhibit higher activation energy. The role of
oxygen-containing functional groups in combustion initiation is explored, providing insights into
tailoring combustion processes for enhanced efficiency.

Mining and Utilisation:

Coal extraction through open-pit mining is dissected, emphasising the scale and environmental
impact of this process. The utilisation of coal in power generation is elucidated, emphasising the
intricate transformation of stored solar energy into thermal energy. This section integrates
environmental considerations, evaluating the efficiency and sustainability of coal utilisation in
power generation. The seam can be up to 200 metres below the surface. All the earth around
the base of the seam is removed before extraction begins.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this research paper synthesises a wealth of information, providing a

comprehensive understanding of coal's geological origins, prevalence in India, energy content,
combustion chemistry, and social and environmental implications. The intricate interplay
between these facets underscores the necessity for informed decision-making as societies
navigate the complex landscape of energy choices.

References:

1. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/coal/
2. https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Coal_formation
3. https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-are-types-coal
4. https://www.zmescience.com/feature-post/natural-sciences/geology-and-paleontology/ro
cks-and-minerals/how-coal-is-formed/
5. https://www.planete-energies.com/en/media/article/underground-and-surface-mines
6. https://www.bravusmining.com.au/how-is-coal-mined/
7. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Chemistry_for_Changin
g_Times_(Hill_and_McCreary)/15%3A_Energy/15.06%3A_Coal_-_The_Carbon_Rock_o
f_Ages
8. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/coal/coal-and-the-environment.php
9. https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/coal-power-impacts
10. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/coal/