Editorial The power of coal

Energy is used to generate electricity far more than it is used for any other purpose. Industry accounts for about a quarter of the world’s energy consumption, transportation a little less than that and domestic use a little less again. Generation of electric power, however, accounts for more than a third of the all the energy produced in the world today.

That’s why it’s important that fuel used to generate electric power be cost effective, reliable, safe and clean. Electricity is such an ubiquitous part of our lives that if its generation is too expensive, unsure, hazardous or environmentally unsound, we all suffer.

Fortunately for Canada, the three major sources of energy for electrical power generation are abundant: water for hydroelectric generation, uranium for nuclear generation and coal.

The first choice of fuel is probably hydro generated power. Like Niagara Falls, hydro is cost effective, reliable, safe and clean. Unfortunately, most of the sites suitable for large-scale power generation at a reasonable cost already are being used. Today, hydro generated power accounts for less than a quarter of all electricity generated.

Nuclear generated power has much to recommend it, and will continue to be an important part of the electricity producing mix of fuels. Although it has demonstrated its reliability, cleanliness and safety, the expense of nuclear energy can be a negative factor. Not only is there a high capital cost, but the costs of smoothing over environmental concerns and of decommissioning nuclear reactors has to be factored in as well.

Which brings us to coal, the fuel that everyone takes advantage of yet few seem to appreciate.

Coal-fired power generation is by far the largest source of electric power in the world today. In Canada, particularly on the east coast, it is virtually essential. It is a relatively cheap way of producing power and, having been in use for more than a century, it has demonstrated its reliability and safety.

The biggest knock against coal is that it is a “dirty fuel.” Its use to generate hydro is considered the major villain in producing acid rain and in causing the as-yet hypothetical “greenhouse effect.”

That reputation may be undeserved, however. As far as the greenhouse effect is concerned — the increase of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere allowing some of the sun’s heat to penetrate the atmosphere and be retained rather than reflected back into space — coal-fired power plants account for less than 5% of all man-made radiative gases.

There have been great improvements in “clean coal technology,” too, that have greatly reduced the amount of sulphur dioxide — the emission that causes acid rain. Pre-treatment, control during combustion and treatment of flue gases can now prevent more than 90% of sulphur dioxide produced by burning coal from reaching the atmosphere.

Coal is Canada’s third most valuable mineral, surpassed in value of production only by crude oil and natural gas. Coal mining alone in Canada accounts for more than 11,000 jobs and half a billion dollars in wages. Its “downstream” spin off benefits on transportation facilities, power generation facilities and related industries and on Canada’s international trade balance is considerable. It’s importance as an industry in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick as well as its importance to all provinces as a means of generating electricity is virtually incalculable.

For all those reasons, it’s important that coal not be dismissed as an unwanted alternative that should be phased out in favor of any single fuel for power generation. Coal, along with nuclear and hydroelectric power, gives Canada the flexibility and energy self- sufficiency that makes this country the envy of the world.