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How efficient is it to turn coal into electricity?

In: Physics, Fossil Fuels, Air Pollution [Edit categories]

Answer:

not really efficient, the efficiency rate some where about 7-12%, which pretty bad. reasons, turn coal in electricity is not a direct method, but lots of conversions happens and each time there is a significant loss.
Burning coal is to get water boiling and all the steam produced is than used to turns the turbines.

First answer by Brand new09. Last edit by Brand new09. Contributor trust: 4 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 75 [recommend question].

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Relevant answers:

How does coal burn and turn into electricity?
The power companies buy it in powder form, this yields more heat per weight. The coal is burnt in furnaces which heats pipes filled with water. The water turns to steam, and is used to turn turbines....
What can coal turn into?
coal can turn into steam water. that's the only thing that coal can turn into.
Is coal efficient?
yes
Will anthracite coal turn into bituminous coal?
maybe
Why do we use coal to generate electricity?
Because it's plentiful, easy to mine and transport, and cheap.