Uncertainty killing coal

摘要

The push to cut greenhouse gas emissions, specifically carbon dioxide, does not mean the end of coal-fired generation. But coal, currently fueling about 50% of US power generation, will not be the dominent player in 20 years, expert panelists said October 15. "Under the basic [American Clean Energy and Security Act] case, [by 2030], coal consumption is 707 million short tons, down 46%; production is 738 [million] st, down 42%; and coal accounts for 29% of electricity generation," according to Scott Sitzer, acting director of the Electric Power Division in the Office of Coal, Nuclear, Electric and Alternate Fuels at the US Energy Information Administration.