Coal Power Generation Research Articles

Aligning the Western Balkans power sectors with the European Green Deal

Abstract Located in Southern Europe, the Drina River Basin is shared between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. The power sectors of the three countries have an exceptionally high dependence on coal for power generation. In this paper, we analyse different development pathways for achieving climate neutrality in these countries and explore the potential of variable renewable energy (VRE) and its role in power sector decarbonization. We investigate whether hydro and non-hydro renewables can enable a net-zero transition by 2050 and how VRE might affect the hydropower cascade shared by the three countries. The Open-Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) was used to develop a model representation of the countries' power sectors. Findings show that the renewable potential of the countries is a significant 94.4 GW. This potential is 68% higher than previous assessments have shown. Under an Emission Limit scenario assuming net zero by 2050, 17% of this VRE potential is utilized to support the decarbonization of the power sectors. Additional findings show a limited impact of VRE technologies on total power generation output from the hydropower cascade. However, increased solar deployment shifts the operation of the cascade to increased short-term balancing, moving from baseload to more responsive power generation patterns. Prolonged use of thermal power plants is observed under scenarios assuming high wholesale electricity prices, leading to increased emissions. Results from scenarios with low cost of electricity trade suggest power sector developments that lead to decreased energy security.

Numerical study on ammonia injection location of ammonia and low-rank coal cofiring in 1000 MWe ultra super critical carolina-type boiler

Global CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants necessitate innovative solutions to reduce their environmental footprint. Ammonia cofiring has emerged as a promising solution for reducing CO2 emissions in these plants. The ammonia injection optimization is analyzed using computational fluid dynamics simulations in a 1000 MW Ultra Super Critical Coal Fired Power Plant, comparing four injection sites at a 20 % thermal energy cofiring ratio. Results indicated the bottom burner as the most effective location, achieving the lowest NOx emissions (102.20 mg/Nm3) compared to traditional coal-firing (131.78 mg/Nm3). A sensitivity analysis favored bottom and mid burner injections over equal distribution, leading to further investigations into varying injection locations and cofiring ratios (5%–60 %). Increased cofiring ratios decreased gross power output by 3.6 MW per percentage increase in cofiring, alongside shifts in flue gas properties and a complex NOx emission trend. Initially, NOx emissions decreased, with a 0.784 up to 20 % cofiring, but dramatically increased beyond, reaching a ratio of 3.744 at 60 % cofiring. This study reveals critical insights into emission management and highlights the need for improved derating strategies to mitigate acid corrosion risks, marking a significant step towards environmentally sustainable coal power generation.

Quantifying the economy-wide employment effects of coal-fired power plants: Two different cases China and the United States

Ensuring a swift transition from coal to clean energy is essential for capping global temperature increases at 1.5 °C, but it poses significant economic and social challenges in coal-dependent regions. This paper examines the economy-wide employment impacts resulting from the activities of coal-fired power plants in China and the United States, the world's largest coal consumers. By analyzing observational data on the different stages of coal power, including both expansion and reduction in the two countries, we aim to derive insights that can inform a more effective and just transition during the phase-out of coal power. We leveraged unique periods post-2010 when China was predominantly opening coal plants while the US was closing them, identifying the economy-wide employment impacts at the county level. By using both two-way fixed effects and spatial econometric models for over 10 years of panel data, covering 2875 in China and 3233 counties in the US, we addressed spillover effects and ensured robust and comprehensive results. Our findings revealed that in China, coal plant deployment increased employment both locally and in the neighboring counties. In the U.S., our findings indicate that before 2015, closing coal plants generally had a negative impact on jobs. However, after 2015, when the U.S. introduced new federal and state-level transition policies, the impact on employment became positive. While it is hard to prove these policies directly facilitate the just transition, our findings demonstrate that they do not hinder the employment aspect of a just transition focused on coal power generation at a regional scale.

The role of green ammonia in meeting challenges towards a sustainable development in China

The shift to a sustainable development has become an important issue in China. This paper discusses the role of green ammonia in promoting China's energy, environmental and economic sustainability which has not drawn enough attention. First, key challenges in China's energy transition, decarbonisation and regional sustainable development are explored. The coal-dominated energy consumption has placed great obstacles in achieving energy transition and led to massive CO2 emission since the large-scale industrialization. The high dependency on oil and gas import has threatened China's energy security. Imbalanced and unsustainable regional development is identified with data envelopment analysis. Second, the potential of green ammonia in meeting these challenges is analysed. Ammonia is examined to be a flexible and economic option for large-scale hydrogen transport and storage. Co-firing ammonia in coal power generation at 3 % rate is evaluated as an option for achieving low-carbon transition by 2030. Benefits of developing a green ammonia economy is discussed from energy, environmental and economic aspects. The practice can decline fossil energy consumption, enhance energy security, and facilitate renewable energy delivery and storage, industry decarbonisation, and regional development. We assume the findings and results contribute to addressing sustainability challenges and realizing a hydrogen economy in China.

Environmental, technological, and economic analysis of supercritical coal-fired power system.

Developing countries primarily rely on fossil-based energy sources to meet their energy demands. The use of fossil fuels has several adverse environmental repercussions that damage the biosphere both directly and indirectly. Among fossil fuels, coal brings about the heaviest environmental externalities, yet its abundance makes its use widespread, particular in countries having significant power generation deficits, such as Pakistan. This study presents an environmental, technological, and economic analysis of a supercritical coal-based power unit located in Pakistan and used for electricity generation. For environmental assessment, the CML-1A baseline method in OpenLCA software was used, and eight midpoint impact indicators were selected. The functional unit chosen was 1 MWh of generated electricity. The results indicated that the category of ozone layer depletion has the least impact, whereas global warming potential has the highest impact score. Except for photochemical oxidation and human toxicity, the plant operational stage dominated most of the selected impact categories. The current paper also reveals that the removal efficiency of CO2 and other pollutants is higher in supercritical compared to subcritical plants. Moreover, the economic feasibility of supercritical plant is compared with chemical looping combustion (CLC)-based supercritical coal-fired power plant, and results shows that CLC-based coal-fired power plant is a more competitive and environmentally friendly option. The utilization of a scientific cleaner energy-management system in real-time, as exemplified in this study, may facilitate the development of a optimalpolicy framework that encouragesfor the adoption of cleaner coal power generation in developing countries, ultimately resulting in improved energy sustainability. Furthermore, this paper also presents some policy implications which could be helpful for policymakers, researchers, and industrialists to improve the sustainability of energy in emerging economies.

Solar Power and Demand Response for Greening Indian Lignite Power Plants: A CO2 Reduction Initiative

This research paper delves into the prospect of curbing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by strategically deploying solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and orchestrating demand response (DR) mechanisms within Indian lignite power plants (LPP). The study responds to the critical imperative of mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originating from coal-based electricity generation, a matter of substantial consequence in the context of climate change. In pursuit of optimal solar PV system allocation, this research employs the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique, considering a spectrum of factors including solar resource availability, electricity demand patterns, and the CO2 intensity associated with coal power generation. The primary objective is to minimize CO2 emissions while maximizing the integration of solar PV and curtailing power losses, all while accounting for the intermittent nature of solar power and the dynamic nature of demand. The proposed approach is rigorously tested on the IEEE 33 bus system, supplied by the LPP. The results convincingly demonstrate a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions, amounting to 29.69%, following the implementation of the proposed approach. This research presents a concrete step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the energy sector.

Designing Retirement Strategies for Coal-Fired Power Plants To Mitigate Air Pollution and Health Impacts.

Retiring coal power plants can reduce air pollution and health damages. However, the spatial distribution of those impacts remains unclear due to complex power system operations and pollution chemistry and transport. Focusing on coal retirements in Pennsylvania (PA), we analyze six counterfactual scenarios for 2019 that differ in retirement targets (e.g., reducing 50% of coal-based installed capacity vs generation) and priorities (e.g., closing plants with higher cost, closer to Environmental Justice Areas, or with higher CO2 emissions). Using a power system model of the PJM Interconnection, we find that coal retirements in PA shift power generation across PA and Rest of PJM, leading to scenario-varying changes in the plant-level release of air pollutants. Considering pollution transport and the size of the exposed population, these emissions changes, in turn, give rise to a reduction of 6-136 PM2.5-attributable deaths in PJM across the six scenarios, with most reductions occurring in PA. Among our designed scenarios, those that reduce more coal power generation yield greater aggregate health benefits due to air quality improvements in PA and adjacent downwind regions. In addition, comparing across the six scenarios evaluated in this study, vulnerable populations─in both PA and Rest of PJM─benefit most in scenarios that prioritize plant closures near Environmental Justice Areas in PA. These results demonstrate the importance of considering cross-regional linkages and sociodemographics in designing equitable retirement strategies.

Experimental Study and Application Prospects of Coal Dust/Methane/Oxygen Pulse Detonation Performance: Coal Dust Equivalence Ratio and Types.

In order to achieve reliable application of coal in pulse detonation combustion chambers, this study explored the influence mechanism of equivalence ratio and coal type (lignite, anthracite) on the detonation characteristics of coal/methane/oxygen methane-solid two-phase fuel. A high-energy ignition device was used to ignite the preblast methane fuel, and the high-temperature and high-pressure energy generated directly initiated the detonation of coal/methane/oxygen methane-solid two-phase fuel. The experimental results are as follows: (1) The maximum detonation pressure of coal/methane/air fuel is positively correlated with the initial pressure. With the increase of the φglobal, the maximum detonation pressure of the two types of coal gradually increases. To be specific, when the φglobal rises from 0.5 to 1.6, the sensitivity of lignite and anthracite to the maximum detonation pressure with respect to the initial pressure increases from 4.56 to 6.11 and 5.48, respectively; (2) In terms of detonation flame and maximum pressure wave velocity, anthracite shows better dynamic performance than lignite. The maximum velocity of detonation flame and pressure wave is achieved when the φglobal is 1.4. (3) In terms of detonation thrust performance, as the φglobal increases from 0.5 to 1.6, the rate of increase in average thrust of the two types of coal first increases and then decreases. Compared with lignite, anthracite has a wider time domain and higher peak value in the average thrust curve and the generated detonation wave displays a greater impulse. The experimental data and conclusions obtained in this study are of practical significance for realizing the engineering application of pulverized coal detonator power generation.

A novel solar-aided NOx removal system in peaking power plants

Solar–coal hybrid power generation achieves the production of efficient, clean, and low-carbon electricity. The association between solar heat and selective catalytic reduction NOx removal (SCR de-NOx) can lead to the development of a novel solar-aided NOx removal system for peaking power plants. In this study, a novel system was proposed, in which large amount of flat-plate and small amount of trough solar energies were integrated to optimise the SCR de-NOx and energy utilisation in the boiler tail. Thermodynamic, NOx removal, and economic analyses were performed. For a typical peaking unit, the proposed system produced 14.6 MWe of solar-generated electric power and exhibited a high solar-to-electricity efficiency of 30.15 %. The integrated solar heat significantly increased the SCR de-NOx temperature and NOx removal efficiency. Based on its outstanding solar conversion performance, the proposed system achieved a net annual benefit (NAB) of 24.01 million Chinese yuan (CNY) and maintained a low cost of solar-generated electricity (COEs) of 0.56 CNY/kWh. Based on cascade utilisation of solar thermal energy, the proposed system achieved high performance under all loads and significantly improved the NOx removal performance under low and medium loads, especially for peaking power plants.

On the Effectiveness of Emergency Reduction Measures for Ultrafine Dust Concentration in Seoul, Korea

Since 2018, emergency reduction measures (ERMs) have been implemented by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to address air quality in Seoul, Republic of Korea. ERMs are activated when the concentration of ultrafine dust, particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5μm (PM 2.5), exceeds a certain level. In this study, using the daily time series data from 1 January 2018 to 31 June 2023, the effectiveness of ERMs is empirically analyzed by specifying multiple regression models in which PM 2.5 is explained not only by the days of ERMs but also by many other important factors. The empirical analysis shows that (i) PM 2.5 is influenced by its own past values up to three days; (ii) PM 2.5 is negatively influenced by both rainfall and wind speed, but positively related to temperature, humidity and yellow dust. The effect of PM 2.5 from the neighborhood (Dailan, China) is significantly positive; (iii) the effect of vehicle traffic volume and coal thermal power generation on PM 2.5 is not statistically significant; (iv) the effect of ERMs is not very strong when many important control variables are included in the regression equation. In conclusion, the ERMs do not play an effective role in reducing PM 2.5 over the whole period. However, it can be seen that the effectiveness of the ERMs has been increasing in recent years.

Energy consumption during transient operation of coal-fired generating units with cold end system back pressure regulation

The dynamic characteristics of key parameters were investigated in this study, which reflected the operational flexibility and efficiency of thermal power units during load regulation. A refined model of the cold end of the unit was proposed. Simultaneously, an innovative exploration was conducted into the coordinated achievement of flexible load regulation and the promotion of energy-efficient operations. Two variables, the variable load rate and cooling water flow, were selected, and the continuous dynamic characteristics of unit energy consumption during load adjustment were determined. The ratio of total variable load coal consumption to load regulation and variable load time was defined as the average regulated coal consumption BZ, which was introduced to enhance the intuitive evaluation of flexibility and efficiency. It was shown that with the increase in variable load rate, there was a decrease observed in the total coal consumption during the variable load process. This trend was consistent with earlier publications. Concurrently, a reduction in cooling water flow had resulted in an increase in power generation coal consumption and a decrease in coal consumption for circulating cooling water pumps. The elevated rate of load variation was attributed to the increased flow of cooling water. A decrease of 14.9 % in back pressure was noted with the increase in the flow of the cooling water. As a result of this reduction in back pressure, the coal consumption rate for power generation was decreased by 1.334 g/kWh, reflecting a decrease of 0.43 %. Additionally, a reduction in total coal consumption of 0.16 t during variable load operation was witnessed, while a 1.97 % increase in the variable load rate was recorded. The optimal flexibility and coal-saving effect were achieved under the conditions of 30 MW/min and 60000 t/h, with ΔBZ = −50 g/(MW·s). Finally, the feasibility of the proposed scheme was verified through the case of a 350 MW unit.

A comparative study on the combination of life cycle assessment and ecological footprints: solar photovoltaic power generation vs. coal power generation in Ningxia

In China, where energy activities, predominantly driven by fossil fuel combustion, account for nearly 90% of the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and coal power alone contributes over 40%, the shift towards carbon neutrality is a critical national ambition. This study conducts a comprehensive comparison of the environmental impacts of solar photovoltaic power generation (SPPG) and coal power, employing both life cycle assessment and ecological footprint analysis. We meticulously analyze the complete lifecycle of SPPG, pinpointing key stages of GHG emissions, and offer nuanced, localized policy recommendations. Our findings indicate that a 1 kWp SPPG module emits 1,601.18 kg of GHGs over its lifespan, equating to 1.35 kg/kW·h per unit of electricity produced—substantially lower than the 4.81 kg/kW·h emitted by coal power, thus highlighting the latter’s heightened environmental detriment. Additionally, this study assesses the ecological footprint of both energy sources in Ningxia. SPPG emerges with an ecological surplus, showcasing a per capita footprint of 0.0342 hm2, compatible with Ningxia’s ecological capacity. In stark contrast, coal power exhibits a sustained ecological deficit over the past 5 years, with a growing per capita footprint of 0.6529 hm2, underscoring its unsustainability. This research provides a detailed comparative analysis of the environmental impacts of SPPG and coal power in Ningxia, offering valuable insights for energy policymakers and industry stakeholders. It underscores the urgent need for industrial restructuring towards more sustainable and renewable energy sources, aligning with China’s broader objectives of environmental preservation and achieving carbon neutrality.

Research on Decision Optimization and the Risk Measurement of the Power Generation Side Based on Quantile Data-Driven IGDT

In an environment marked by dual carbon goals and substantial fluctuations in coal market prices, coal power generation enterprises face an urgent imperative to make scientifically informed decisions regarding production management amidst significant market uncertainties. To tackle this challenge, this paper proposes a methodology for optimizing electricity generation side market decisions and assessing risks using quantile data-driven information-gap decision theory (QDD-IGDT). Initially, a dual-layer decision optimization model for electricity production is formulated, taking into account coal procurement and blending processes. This model optimizes the selection of spot coal and long-term contract coal prices and simplifies the dual-layer structure into an equivalent single-layer model using the McCormick envelope and Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions. Subsequently, a quantile dataset is generated utilizing a short-term coal price interval prediction model based on the quantile regression neural network (QRNN). Interval constraints on expected costs are introduced to develop an uncertainty decision risk measurement model grounded in QDD-IGDT, quantifying decision risks arising from coal market uncertainties to bolster decision robustness. Lastly, case simulations are executed by using real production data from a power generation enterprise, and the dual-layer decision optimization model is solved by employing the McCormick–KKT–Gurobi approach. Additionally, decision risks associated with coal market uncertainties are assessed through a one-dimensional search under interval constraints on expected cost volatility. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed research methodology in cost optimization within the context of coal market uncertainties, underscoring its validity and economic efficiency.

The Impact of Financial Development and Economic Growth on Renewable Energy Supply in South Africa

Eskom’s power plants in South Africa face frequent breakdowns due to a lack of maintenance and increasing energy demand. The high dependence of South Africa on coal for power generation, which is a resource that significantly contributes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that impact the environment negatively, could be reduced by considering renewable energy sources. Renewable energy supply, dependent on private sector funding and economic growth, is seen as a solution to energy and environmental problems. The study aimed to examine if financial development and economic growth impact renewable energy supply in South Africa and to discover if co-integration exists between these variables, including the variables defined as the determinants of renewable energy supply, namely: CO2 emission by coal power generation; secondly, coal electricity supply; thirdly, coal price changes; and lastly, load shedding levels. The research gap identified for the study is twofold. Firstly, there is a lack of research on the relationship between renewable energy supply, financial development, and economic growth, specifically in South Africa. Furthermore, the existing research on these variables in other countries has produced inconclusive results. Secondly, minimal research has been conducted on how economic growth impacts renewable energy supply in emerging markets. Thus, the present study sought to bridge the gap and contribute to the scientific body of knowledge related to the drivers of renewable energy supply. The autoregression distributed lag (ARDL) model was employed to test if economic growth and financial development have a statistically significant impact on renewable energy supply, as well as to test the direction of the relationship, for an observation period from 1990 to 2021. The results proved that financial development and economic growth were reported to have a statistically significant positive impact on renewable energy supply in the long run and the short run. A study on the relationship between financial development, economic growth, and renewable energy supply in South Africa can influence policy reforms and assist the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) and the government in developing and implementing renewable energy policies that encourage the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure to increase renewable energy supply, particularly regarding factors associated with addressing challenges in financial development and economic growth.

Toward a comprehensive life cycle aquatic ecotoxicity assessment via machine learning: Application to coal power generation in China

Life cycle aquatic ecotoxicity assessments currently lack characterization factors due to the limited availability of experimental toxicity data. In this study, this problem was solved by designing a rapid and simplified approach using machine learning algorithms. The results were further tested and validated via a case study of coal power generation in China that has been implemented since 1990. Compared with the predicted characterization factors of life cycle aquatic ecotoxicity, the predicted average ecotoxicity values (logEC50) are clearly correlated (R2 = 0.597 and RMSE = 0.64) with the reported value in USEtox database based on chemicals' physicochemical properties, degradation rates, and bioaccumulation factors in fish. Approximately 13.6% of the ecotoxicity impact of China's coal power generation is underestimated due to the missing characterization factors of chemicals. In the case study, the predicted ecotoxicity value of the newly identified essential substance via the XGBoost algorithm for the case study was close to the actual value based on the experimental data. Intensifying atmospheric pyrene and chrysene control during the coal power generation stage, increasing the utilization rate of thermal power equipment, and optimizing coal consumption efficiency are efficient approaches for reducing the overall aquatic ecotoxicity from coal power generation in China. The proposed approach can rapidly predict ecotoxicity values and calculate missing characterization factors. Consequently, life cycle aquatic ecotoxicity assessments can be improved, and management strategies can be developed.

How Realistic Are Coal Phase-Out Timeline Targets for Turkey?

Coal phase-out is considered to be critical to the success of energy transition for all countries. Yet, recent assessments indicate that energy security aspects may affect phase-out plans and/or commitments and jeopardize energy transition ambitions. This study aims to question to what extent coal phase-out targets for Türkiye are realistic. Although previous research has mainly focused on direct emission reduction targets and just transition aspects, we include a down-to-earth discussion of the potential challenges before coal phase-out. The interaction between phasing-out coal power generation and energy security aspects is also analyzed. To understand the coal phase-out timeline targets, its limitations, and constraints within the framework of future power projections, a supply–demand model with different scenarios was developed. In addition, energy storage was also discussed as an option. Analysis revealed that energy storage, in the short- and medium-term, may not be the panacea, as it may not be deployed in the scale to substitute the energy security that coal provided. Moreover, our findings indicate that phasing-out is not as simple as assumed. A target timeline is certainly not realistic considering the energy security aspect and challenges. On the other hand, economically nonviable and technically nonavailable coal-fired power plants in the power system may retire gradually (as a natural phase-out process). This may occur even without waiting for the target timeline, if there would ever officially be one.

Energizing dissensus: Socio-technical (counter) imaginaries along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor

The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor is a featured project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative that is creating new resource frontiers in Tharparkar, Pakistan. Centered around coal mining and energy production, these new sites of resource extraction and their infrastructures have sparked dissensus throughout the Desert district of Sindh, Pakistan. Our analysis draws on research on socio-technical imaginaries and Rancière’s thoughts on political change and aesthetics. In doing so, we examine how political dissensus is represented though graffiti and works in contrast to the socio-technical imaginaries represented by the state in public signage. The differences, we suggest, represent socio-technical counter imaginaries that form a politics that disrupts the established socio-political order embedded within the political goals of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. These counter imaginaries have important implications for the creation of just and equitable opportunities for people impacted by the emerging coal extraction and power generation complex. Our ethnographic approach provides a street-level analysis of the politicization of imagined socio-technical futures in the Tharparkar desert and emerging energy resource frontiers.

Study on China’s Position on Its Strategic Location, Planning, and Future Outline

This comprehensive analysis highlights the potential of China, the world’s largest energy producer. The research paper provides direction to China in the energy sector. Although currently relying on coal for power generation, in the long term, the country will become the largest exporter of electricity. The transition to sustainable energy production is critical, considering global commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement. China’s ability to shift to clean energy is strengthened by its vast labor force, financial strength, and the Chinese government’s commitment to national rejuvenation. By establishing an “Electro-Yuan” system for trading electricity, China could challenge the global dominance of the US dollar. The One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative further facilitates a clean electricity trade network with strategic partners worldwide. However, a successful transition hinges on shifting from coal to renewable energy sources, enhancing existing grid infrastructure for cross-border transmission, and effectively implementing the Electro-Yuan system.

Job creation in a low carbon transition to renewables and energy efficiency: a review of international evidence

AbstractIn this paper, we present findings from a systematic review on job creation, quality, and skills, focusing on decarbonisation in the energy sector. We compare a range of gross job employment factors which indicate that overall, investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency can deliver more jobs than gas or coal power generation. In addition, we review a subset of recent studies which estimate the net employment effects of decarbonisation in the energy sector at a national scale, across various international contexts. These national studies largely agree that the most likely outcome over the next few decades is a modest net positive creation of jobs and moderate economic growth. In certain regions within these countries, jobs in fossil fuel industries may be lost faster than the pace at which low carbon energy sectors can offer new employment. There may be mismatches between regions where displaced workers live and where new opportunities become available, which may be a barrier to accepting alternative employment even if former workers have the requisite skills. In these cases national government transition plans are recommended, coordinated with local governments, to manage the impacts of displacement from carbon-intensive sectors and respond to the need to build a new low carbon workforce including through skills development and training. We highlight a lack of metrics and data in the literature on job quality, skills, and the geographic distribution of employment impacts in decarbonising energy systems, and these should be priority areas for further research.

Перспективы угольной генерации

The article provides overview information on the state and problems of coal generation in Russia and the world. The main problem of coal energy is the environmental safety of the industry. Tightening environmental requirements for air purity from pollutants emitted by coal-fired thermal power plants has led to many countries beginning to abandon coal-fired generation in favor of alternative energy sources. The volume of investments in coal industry projects began to decline, and in a number of countries they planned to completely abandon it in the medium term. The prospect for the development of coal generation in Russia and the world is one of the most pressing topics for discussion, which has been repeatedly discussed on various information platforms, including in the international context. Experts from many countries in Russia and the world regularly present their researches on the importance of coal generation, coal reserves and energy consumption of coal fuel, and the environmental safety of the industry. The object of the study is the problems of coal generation in Russia and the world. The purpose of the work is to analyze and quantify the distribution of coal power generation capacity, assess the environmental problems associated with coal generation. The objective of the research is to obtain reliable information to assess the quantitative characteristics of energy consumption and environmental safety of the industry. The methods in the study consisted in analyzing information data from analytical agencies and publicly available materials. The results of analytical studies presented in the article indicate that in the near future, thermal energy will remain predominant in the energy balance of individual countries of the world. However, solving problems of environmental safety of fuel energy requires a centralized approach, significant financial investments and the creation of an appropriate regulatory framework.