Prospects for coal as an energy resource in the context of the fourth energy transition

Abstract

Coal has long been not only one of the main energy resources, but also a valuable raw material for many economic branches. According to the established opinion, in comparison with other energy resources, coal has the maximum negative impact on the environment, however, this harm might be exaggerated reduced through the development of new technologies [1, 2], and alternative energy sources are not as safe as considered. Despite the signs of the fourth energy transition, in the short term, modern technologies cannot replace coal. This gives grounds to believe that in the foreseeable future the crucial role of hydrocarbons in the energy sector will not change significantly, and therefore it seems appropriate to determine the reduction of environmental risks when using coal as one of the main directions in the development of energy technologies.