Coal remains a crucial energy source for electricity generation in several countries, including Indonesia, China, and India.
While coal offers significant economic benefits, there’s no denying that its use comes with serious risks and downsides.
To fully understand coal’s role in the global energy transition, it’s important to weigh both its advantages and the challenges it brings.
What Are the Benefits of Coal?
Coal isn’t just an energy source, it also plays a vital role in various industrial sectors.
1. Source of Electricity
Coal is the primary fuel for coal-fired power plants and is widely used to meet electricity demands, especially in developing countries.
Its abundance and relatively low cost make it a go-to solution where infrastructure for renewable energy is still lacking.
Read More: The Crucial Role of Alternative Electricity Sources in Shaping Our Future
2. Backbone of Heavy Industries
Heavy industries like steel, cement, and aluminum heavily rely on coal, not only as an energy source but also as a raw material.
Coking coal, in particular, is essential in steel production, making coal supply critical for maintaining industrial supply chains.
3. Major Source of National Revenue
Coal is one of Indonesia’s top export commodities and contributes significantly to national income.
It generates revenue through taxes, royalties, and foreign exchange. Coal-producing regions also benefit from profit-sharing schemes that help fund local development.
4. Job Creation
The coal industry provides millions of jobs, both directly in mining operations and indirectly through logistics, transportation, and other support services.
In some regions, coal mining is the backbone of the local economy, supporting entire communities.
Read More: What’s Driving the Surge in Electricity Demand in the Modern Era?
The Threats and Risks of Coal Use
Despite its benefits, coal also carries significant environmental and social consequences.
Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Burning coal produces large volumes of carbon dioxide, making it one of the main contributors to global warming.
It also releases harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter, which severely affect air quality and public health.
Read More: Why Cutting Carbon Emissions Is Critical for the Planet’s Future?
Environmental and Health Impacts
Coal mining, especially open-pit operations, can damage landscapes, destroy habitats, and cause soil erosion.
Rehabilitation of abandoned mines often falls short, leaving behind massive pits that pose long-term environmental and safety risks.
People living near coal mines or power plants are also at higher risk of respiratory illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer.
Social Conflict and Local Economic Disruption
The coal industry has often been a source of conflict between local communities and mining companies.
These tensions typically stem from land evictions, environmental pollution, and the unequal distribution of economic benefits, all of which can fuel social unrest.
Moreover, regions that rely solely on coal mining for their economy are at risk of disruption when reserves are depleted or coal prices plummet.
This is why the energy transition should not be seen merely as an industry trend, but as a policy necessity.
Such efforts can be supported by accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired power plants through a combination of regulations and investment incentives for future energy development.
Read More: Why the Energy Crisis Poses a Serious Threat to the Global Economy?
Comparison of Impacts Across Energy Sources
| Energy Source | CO₂ Emissions (kg/MWh) | Air Pollution | Sustainability |
| Coal | 820 | Very High | No |
| Oil | 650 | High | No |
| LNG | 490 | Moderate | Limited |
| Solar Power | 45 | Low | Yes |
| Wind Power | 11 | Very Low | Yes |
The table above presents a comparison of various energy sources based on three key aspects:
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions
- Level of air pollution
- Sustainability
Coal and oil are the highest emitters of CO₂, resulting in significant air pollution. This makes them major contributors to environmental degradation and climate change.
On the other hand, liquefied natural gas (LNG) produces considerably lower CO₂ emissions than coal and oil, positioning it as a cleaner transitional energy source.
Due to its lower CO₂ output, LNG also generates less air pollution, reinforcing its role as a potential energy bridge from coal and oil toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
LNG as a Cleaner Energy Alternative
Given coal’s environmental and social impacts, switching to cleaner energy sources is a sensible step forward. One of the most promising alternatives is LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).
Here’s why LNG is gaining attention as a cleaner energy option:
- Lower carbon emissions compared to coal
- Higher energy efficiency
- Environmentally friendly, producing no solid waste like ash
LNG plays an important role in reducing emissions. With the right infrastructure and policy support, LNG can be a powerful stepping stone toward a greener energy future.
