On the Right Track?

摘要

Utilities and railroads share blame for crimping the coal supply chain. An industry study highlights the chief issues signaling a yellow light for progress. Coal produces more than half of the electricity used in the United States. But, ongoing changes in energy markets - particularly for natural gas and oil - are adding to coal's allure as the backbone fuel of the future. While nuclear power and renewables are frequently discussed as alternatives, many experts believe neither can come to market soon enough, or in sufficient volume to quench the United States' thirst for coal energy in the near future. This has resulted in 140 coal plants now being proposed for construction, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).