Coal still king [Energy Coal]

COAL HAS been used as a fuel for more than 2,300 years, since the time of the ancient Greeks. From those humble beginnings it has grown until today in excess of seven billion tonnes are burnt to generate more than 40 per cent of the world's electricity. Despite its less than glowing environmental credentials the use of coal is set to soar over the next decade, driven by the economic growth of the emerging nations, particularly China and India. Seemingly flying in the face of global attempts to curb carbon, coal - already the single largest source for generation of electricity - is predicted to grow by 600,000t a day over the next five years.