What is the efficiency of generating energy from this source?
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Energy Efficiency: ability to produce a desired effect with minimum energy expenditure
The average efficiency of all coal power stations in the world currently stand at around 31%. Meaning, only a third of energy in a pound of coal is actually used to make electricity while two-thirds of the potential energy is wasted. Not only is this inefficient as it is, the trend continues to go downwards because of the progressive strict environmental standards. The standards require equipment that demands additional input energy, yet the same amount of energy is being produced.
Also, the current power plants being used to generate coal energy are ineffective because they require a lot of coal but produce very little in return. In order to achieve more efficient coal plants, the current plants of 25 years or older need to be replaced with larger and significantly more efficient plants which achieve a closer ratio of coal needed to coal produced.
In other words, achieving efficient coal is achievable but expensive.
The average efficiency of all coal power stations in the world currently stand at around 31%. Meaning, only a third of energy in a pound of coal is actually used to make electricity while two-thirds of the potential energy is wasted. Not only is this inefficient as it is, the trend continues to go downwards because of the progressive strict environmental standards. The standards require equipment that demands additional input energy, yet the same amount of energy is being produced.
Also, the current power plants being used to generate coal energy are ineffective because they require a lot of coal but produce very little in return. In order to achieve more efficient coal plants, the current plants of 25 years or older need to be replaced with larger and significantly more efficient plants which achieve a closer ratio of coal needed to coal produced.
In other words, achieving efficient coal is achievable but expensive.