Abstract

Coal energy has been a fundamental component of the global energy landscape for centuries, serving as a primary source for electricity generation and industrial processes. This review examines the multifaceted role of coal, highlighting its advantages, such as abundance, cost-effectiveness, and established infrastructure, alongside significant drawbacks, including environmental degradation and health risks. Technological advancements like clean coal technologies and carbon capture and storage are explored as potential solutions to mitigate coal's negative impacts. As countries grapple with the need for energy security while addressing climate change, the future of coal energy is uncertain. This review emphasizes the necessity of balancing economic considerations with environmental responsibilities, suggesting that a transition to cleaner energy sources will require innovation, investment, and collaborative efforts across regions.