How much coal is there in the world? Where is it found? How much of it should we keep in the ground to avoid negative environmental impacts? Can renewable energy really replace it? How is the transition going to look like?
- There are an estimated 1.1 trillion tonnes of proven coal reserves worldwide. This means that there is enough coal to last us around 150 years at current rates of production.
- Coal reserves are available in almost every country worldwide, with recoverable reserves in around 70 countries. The most prominent reserves are in the USA, Russia, China and India.
A 2015 study in the journal Nature revealed that we need to leave at least 80% of the world’s known remaining fossil fuel (coal + oil + natural gas) reserves in the ground to prevent runaway climate change. It’s 2018 now.
What’s the alternative? A lot of doubts float around renewable energy’s power. Here’s taking the cloud off of it:
- Renewable energy is not expensive.
- Renewable energy is big enough to power the whole world.
- Renewable energy can supply electricity 24X7.
- Our infrastructure can handle renewable energy.
- Renewable energy is not bad for the environment.
In India, coal is expected to stay for at least the next 30 years due to its abundance and cost advantage. In the meantime, we have a family of technologies called Carbon capture and storage (CCS) that can help.
Technology, however, doesn’t solve everything.
How do we make this transition humanely? What about the lives that are dependent on the fossil fuel industry? Iron & Earth is led by oilsands workers committed to incorporating more renewable energy projects into our work scope.
What happens to the landscapes where the coal mines exist? Worldwide, former mining lands have become valuable real estate. This floating solar farm in China, for instance, sits on a coal mine.
Shout out: Thanks, D, for suggesting this topic! :)
