Coal will remain part of the power production scene for awhile yet, there aren't any solve all the problems alternatives yet.
Natural gas, simply isn't available in sufficient volume to completely eliminate coal.
Solar, isn't a 24 hour a day source, and unless you are in a market like Phoenix, AZ, solar isn't producing when it is most needed.
Wind, is not reliable enough to be a primary producer, the environmentalist hate it because it kills birds, not to mention it is EXPENSIVE
Here in the Pacific North West, Hydro is KING, yet again the environmentalists HATE it because it kills Fish. Not only have they done everything possible to block any new Hydro-Power, they are trying to get existing dams removed, SUCCESSFULLY on some smaller dams.
We don't even need to discuss the protests any time a new NUCLEAR plant is mentioned.
Geo-Thermal, just isn't an option in very many places.
Again, I don't advocate reckless abuse of natural resources, or pollutive practices, but there just aren't any alternatives, that SOMEBODY doesn't object to. Now if somebody could finally develop a perpetual motion machine, and hook it up to a power station, it would be GREAT. Unfortunately perpetual motion machines, and Unicorn Farts just are not practical options yet, and every other option has it's own problems and opponents. Coal may be declining in importance in the energy field, but it is not going to be eliminated any time soon.
Personal Feelings, Emotions and Opinions, don't change the FACT that we STILL NEED COAL,
Doug
