What's the energy output of coal vs. other sources of energy?

Here are useful numbers that I gathered for my environmental engineering students over the years. They are from miscellaneous sources. 1) Solid fuels: Coal coal: 23 to 42 MJ, with average of 29. read more

Looking at how much Carbon an energy source emits per unit of energy (kWh, MWh) gives an insight into how "dirty" an energy source is. This is a major point of contention with continuing to use a lot of coal for energy supply. Despite its low cost, it emits a lot more Carbon Dioxide per unit of energy than other sources like natural gas. read more

About half the electricity used in the United States as of 2010 comes from coal-fired plants, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Coal, like oil and gas, is a fossil fuel, formed from plants and animals that lived 300 million years ago. read more

Comparing Energy Sources for Electricity . By itself, electricity is an exceptionally clean form of energy – but we have to consider how it is generated. Today, about 70% of U.S. electricity is produced from fossil fuels (about 50% from coal, and 20% from natural gas). read more

Energy sources are classified as nonrenewable because they do not form or replenish in a short period of time. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind replenish naturally in a short period of time. The four major nonrenewable energy sources are - Crude oil - Natural gas - Coal - Uranium (nuclear energy) Nonrenewable energy sources come out of the ground as liquids, gases, and solids. read more