
Coal-fired power plants
Coal-fired power plants generate electricity by burning coal to produce steam, which spins turbines connected to generators. The process begins with coal being crushed and fed into a boiler, where it is burned at high temperatures. The heat converts water into steam, which drives the turbines. While coal is abundant and relatively inexpensive, burning it releases greenhouse gases and pollutants, contributing to climate change and air quality issues. As a result, many countries are transitioning to cleaner energy sources, but coal remains a significant part of the energy mix in some regions due to its established infrastructure and energy reliability.