Clean coal — much more than carbon capture

In the era of Wikipedia, it seems that if you don’t like the definition of something, you just try to change it.

Some folks seem to imply that we invented the term “clean coal," when in fact that term is far older than our organization.

Our use of the term “clean coal” relates to those technologies aimed at reducing emissions (of all types) from coal-based generation. Congress coined the phrase in the 1980s. At that time, it was used in reference to technologies that reduced sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.

Take this excerpt from U.S. Senate Bill 911 from April 1987:

“The term ‘clean coal technology’ means any technology … deployed at a new or existing facility which will achieve significant reductions in air emissions of sulfur dioxide or oxides of nitrogen associated with the utilization of coal in the generation of electricity.”

As most of you know, these technologies have helped make today’s coal-based generating fleet 77 percent cleaner in terms of emissions currently regulated under existing Clean Air Act programs per unit of energy produced—which include sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

Today, we have our eye on the next generation of clean coal technologies, which will reduce carbon dioxide emissions. If it’s true that history repeats itself, then we have an excellent shot at overcoming this challenge. We’re well on our way—we’ve got more than 80 carbon capture and storage demonstration plants right here on U.S. soil.

Comments

[BobKincaid]

You assert:
"[I]t seems that if you don’t like the definition of something, you just try to change it."

Is that why we here in Almost Level West Virginia are beset by billboards asserting that Coal is "carbon-neutral?"

"Carbo-neutral" carbon. That's almost as silly as "clean" coal.

Tell us: if coal's clean, then why is there arsenic in the groundwater in the Kingston, TN area after the sludge dam break there? Why is there barium?

Bear in mind that since this is NOT an open forum, and NOT a fair debate, I don't expect to see this comment posted.

You're the Coal Mob, we all know it and, among other things, you don't WANT an open debate of your ad campaign.

After all, that's what "clean coal" really is: a marketing strategy, just like "Tasty Cyanide" and "Smoke-free Cigarettes."

How pathetic you are!

[Megan at ACCCE]

Bob,

Contrary to what you think, we are up for a debate about America’s energy future. In fact, it’s imperative that we determine ways to meet our growing energy demand while decreasing our reliance on foreign energy sources and keeping our commitment to the environment.

Now, as far as we can tell—and we’ve consulted many studies, reports and experts—coal, which accounts for nearly half of the country’s electricity, will remain a part of our energy portfolio for decades to come. Just take a look at this snapshot of the EIA’s 2007 Annual Energy Outlook to get a better picture.

The fact remains that all of our energy sources have their challenges. We believe that we can develop the technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to near-zero, including the capture and safe storage of carbon dioxide. As I’m sure you know, we’ve used clean coal technologies to make today’s coal-based generating fleet 77 percent cleaner in terms of emissions currently regulated under existing Clean Air Act programs per unit of energy produced. We say this is a great start—but we know we can accomplish so much more.

[Terry Harris]

Good and succinct article. I am tiring of the illogical campaign against clean coal by those determined to destroy America. Coal is in our future for many more years, as it should be given the emergence of IGCC and sequestration technologies. Thank you for your dedication to promoting the truth despite the attacks by the ignorant and powerful.

[Franklin Thompson]

While the mining and burning of coal continues to be very detrimental to the environment, these problems can be mostly corrected. However, correcting these problems will be very expensive. Cheap electricity will be a thing of the past.