Black Gold that powered the world⚡️

 For centuries, coal has been an essential source of energy globally. Its use dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was used for heating and cooking. It wasn't until the Industrial Revolution that coal emerged as a vital energy source for industrial processes, such as steam power. Even today, coal remains an important energy source for electricity generation and industrial processes worldwide.

Coal originated from the Carboniferous period, around 360 to 290 million years ago, when vast forests covered the Earth. Over time, these forests' remains were buried under sediment, transforming into coal. Some coal deposits were eventually pushed to the surface due to the Earth's tectonic plates' shifting, leading to the development of coal mining as an industry.

Despite Kenya having significant coal deposits in the Mui Basin in Kitui County, the development of coal energy has faced numerous challenges such as environmental concerns, land acquisition issues, and resistance from local communities. Nevertheless, the Kenyan government plans to establish a coal-fired power plant in Lamu County.

Coal energy is produced by burning coal, which consists mainly of carbon with small amounts of other elements such as sulfur, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. However, the use of coal energy has several environmental and health concerns, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and toxic substances' release such as mercury and arsenic.

To tackle these concerns, efforts are being made to reduce the environmental impact of coal energy, including the use of clean coal technologies like carbon capture and storage. Moreover, many countries are investing in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels like coal.

In conclusion, the history of coal spans centuries, and it has played a crucial role in the global energy mix. However, there are environmental and health concerns associated with its use. Thus, it is essential to reduce the environmental impact of coal energy and invest in renewable energy sources for a sustainable future.


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