From mankind’s earliest days, searches have been conducted for appropriate sources of energy to meet specific needs. They have differed dramatically since the discovery of fire, and each has presented varying challenges and opportunities. Although we’ve come a long way from our cave-dwelling days, the need for fuel has continued to mount.
With the ongoing growth in population and the continuing expansion of our economy, it is evident that there will be greater requirements for power in the future for Texas, especially in the metro areas. A substantial portion of these energy needs will be met through the use of electricity—demand for which is predicted to climb by more than 60% over the next two decades.
Currently, approximately half of the electric power generation in the Lone Star State is dependent on natural gas. That’s almost three times the use of natural gas for this purpose for the nation as a whole. In fact, nearly all of the new electric generation capacity (apart from wind farms) built in Texas in recent memory use natural gas.
Due to the potential fluctuations in the price and availability of natural gas, other fuel options for generating electrical power need to be developed, a concept known as “fuel diversity.” There are several choices, of course, but among them coal probably has the most distinct advantages, at least in the near term. We need to develop new capacity soon. Nuclear is again promising, but it will take years to bring online. Alternative energy is an exciting prospect, but not large enough or reliable enough for meeting ongoing daily needs. We do not have the water resources that lend themselves to extensive hydropower. Thus, coal is what remains.
Some of us may tend to think of coal as a fuel of the past, but across the country, there are some 148 coal-fired electric plants in the planning stages and almost two dozen are in the construction phase. In China, a coal-fired unit goes online almost every week.
There are many reasons for using coal as an input fuel for generating electricity in addition to fuel diversity. The first is price stability. Natural gas prices vary widely dependent upon supply and demand, but costs for coal are usually lower and generally more stable.
A major advantage to the use of coal is the fact that there is an extremely large domestic supply. Current estimates indicate the supply is enough to last 200-250 years. Having so much of it right here at home helps us move toward the goal of greater energy independence and enhanced national security.
In addition, improved technologies have greatly lessened potential negative impacts on the environment. Because of the supply and the fact that coal is one of the lowest-cost electric power sources for the foreseeable future, President Bush has pledged government commitment to more advanced clean coal technologies through his Clean Coal Power Initiative which in turn is enabling utilities meet the President’s Clear Skies Initiative.
Research is ongoing into better methods of reducing the emissions from coal combustion. While some of these are presently untried, they certainly hold promise for the future. Even today, adding new capacity with proven technologies can actually lower overall emissions.
Of particular interest to Texans is the FutureGen project, which is designed to study advanced coal gasification technology in order to create the first zero emissions power plant that will produce electricity and hydrogen from coal. Last summer, two Texas locations were among the four sites selected as finalists for the development of this new power plant. Later this year, a final site will be chosen, and construction will begin.
Another reason for using coal as a fuel for creating electricity is that the lignite coal industry is a notable source of economic stimulus to the Texas economy and is responsible for thousands of jobs. Increasing the use of coal will inevitably result in added workers, preserving an industry that is very important to various regions of the state.
Additional facilities for generating electricity certainly are essential for Texas to meet its future power needs. When all factors (including environmental enhancement) are considered, coal-fired plants appear to be the only viable choice to meet immediate requirements.