The term “green coal” may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s a viable form of renewable energy.

In recent years, green coal has become increasingly popular among businesses and individuals as an alternative energy source. But what is green coal, and how is it different from traditional coal?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the mysterious world of green coal and uncover the facts you need to know.

What is green coal?

Green Coal is a type of eco-friendly coal briquette made from Biowaste or Municipal Solid Waste,. Burning Green Coal decreases sulfur emissions by large while boosting combustion efficiency. Using biochar in the production process qualifies as a renewable energy source, as it replaces fossil fuels.  Green coal is an innovative technology that can help reduce the environmental impact of burning coal while still producing usable energy. It is a form of clean coal technology that involves segregation, mixing & Heating processes to convert municipal waste into charcoal.

It is produced by using heating MSW inside rotating cylinders.  This process converts a variety of organic materials, such as municipal solid waste, into a high-energy, low-ash, low-sulfur coal substitute.

It is often called ‘clean’ coal, as it produces fewer toxic emissions than ordinary coal. It can substantially reduce air pollution from coal-fired power plants. In addition, green coal can help reduce the cost of electricity generation, as it is much more efficient than traditional coal-fired plants.

The technology behind green coal is still relatively new, but it is gaining traction in the energy industry. Many countries are investing in green coal technologies to reduce reliance on traditional coal-fired power plants. This is because green coal has the potential to provide a cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable source of energy.

Green coal is a promising form of clean coal technology that can reduce the environmental impact of burning coal while still providing usable energy. It is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize the energy industry and help reduce the environmental impact of coal burning.

How Green coal is produced?

Green coal is produced by Waste to coal (WTC) facilities using the Heating process. The process begins with the conversion of Raw waste into Refused Drive Fuel (RDF). They are heated into Reactor. During this process, it breaks down the RDF  molecules and converts them into liquid fuels and Charcoal. Liquid fuels are used as an energy source to heat the dryer & reactor and Charcoal l is used to produce green coal.

The reaction inside the Reactor is relatively simple and cost-effective. The process does not require any chemical additives or hazardous processes and is much more efficient than traditional coal-burning processes. In addition, green coal is produced from waste materials, which are available in abundance, making it a much more sustainable energy source.

How is green coal different from traditional coal?

Green coal differs from traditional coal in its production and use.

Traditional coal production methods involve coal extraction from mines, which can lead to the destruction of natural habitats and release pollutants such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide (CO2).

In contrast, green coal is produced through processes such as Waste to coal (WTC) which makes it environment-friendly and cost-effective.

Green coal can be used in various applications such as power generation, steel plants,  dying industries, cement industry, and industrial use more cleanly and efficiently than traditional coal.

Applications of green coal

Power Generation

In power generation, green coal can be used to generate electricity more cleanly and efficiently than traditional coal-fired power plants.

Industrial use

Green coal can also produce chemicals, fertilizers steel, cement, and other industrial products.

Conclusion

Green coal is a clean and efficient way of utilizing waste resources while minimizing the negative environmental impact. It can be used in various applications such as power generation, steel, cement, and industrial use, making it a valuable addition to the energy mix as we transition to a more sustainable future.

While it may have its challenges, such as cost, the scale of production, and environmental impact, the potential benefits of green coal must be addressed, and further research and development are needed to make it a viable option in the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is green coal?

Green coal, also known as clean coal, is a term used to describe coal produced in a way that is more environmentally friendly than traditional coal production methods.

What are the challenges and limitations of green coal?

One of the main challenges is the cost of production. The equipment and technology required for green coal production are expensive, making it difficult for countries with limited financial resources to adopt this technology.

Is green coal a renewable energy source?

Green coal can be considered a renewable energy source because it is not a fossil fuel, meaning it is a renewable resource. Green coal production methods aim to reduce emissions and pollutants associated with traditional coal mining and use, making it a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option than traditional coal.

 

Excessive mining activities and deforestation cause a rise in global temperatures and release large amounts of CO2, which pose a significant threat to life on our planet. As a result, many countries are shifting towards eco-friendly ways of energy management and carbon-neutral methods of energy production. One such method that has gained a lot of attention recently is Green Coal technology.

Green coal, also known as bio-coal is an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels and is made from a combination of waste materials, such as agricultural residue and municipal solid waste (MSW). One of the key benefits of green coal is that it reduces the amount of CO2 emissions produced.

For example, using 1 kg of bio-coal as solid fuel, instead of fossil coal, can bring about a reduction of approximately 2 kg of CO2 produced per kg of fossil coal. This is a significant step in reducing the carbon footprint of industries that rely on fossil fuels, such as thermal power plants, petrochemical refining, cement plants, etc.

 

How is Green Coal made?

Waste-to-Coal plants turn municipal solid waste (MSW), often called garbage or trash, into the high calorific value of charcoal by means of a ‘Charcoal Reactor’,  which involves the thermal treatment of MSW at a temperature of 200-300°C, resulting in a solid fuel that has properties similar to fossil coal. Not only does bio-coal provide a sustainable and fossil-free alternative to traditional coal, but it also offers a solution to the problem of waste management.

The process of waste to energy starts with the collection of MSW from various sources such as households, institutions, and commercial establishments. The waste is then transported to an energy conversion facility, where it is sorted, processed, and treated to remove contaminants and impurities. The processed waste is then subjected to high temperatures which break down into volatile matter.

It is important to note that MSW contains a diverse range of materials that are not typically found in biomass feedstock, due to this reason, the process of Charcoal generation is more complex and requires a different approach to the process.

The charcoal that is discharged is further cleaned using a sieve. The pure char is mixed with exacting proportions of binder & water in a mixer. The mixture is then fed into a pelletizing machine, which creates pellets of Green Coal.

 

Why should fossil-fuel-consuming industries consider Green Coal?

• Cost-effective: Green coal is a renewable resource, which means that it is not subject to the same price volatility and supply chain issues as fossil fuels. It is produced from waste materials such as agricultural residue and municipal solid waste, which makes it a cost-effective alternative to fossil coal, which is becoming increasingly expensive.
• Reduced transportation costs: Since green coal can be produced locally, it reduces the need for long-distance transportation. This results in lower transportation costs and helps reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation. It is also easy to store and transport, as it is a solid fuel that can be stored and transported in bulk.
• Cleaner combustion: Green coal has a lower sulphur content compared to fossil coal, which makes it a cleaner fuel. This means that when it is burned, it produces fewer pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide and particulate matter.
• Improved waste management: The production of green coal provides a sustainable solution for waste management. It allows for the conversion of waste materials into a valuable energy source, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, etc.
• Utilisation of non-biodegradable components: Larger components nowadays in MSW are plastics including bottles & cans which take centuries to decompose. In this process, it gives an immediate solution as it is 100% broken into the volatile matter.
• Improved energy security: By using green coal, industries, and thermal power plants can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, which are finite resources. This can help improve energy security and provide a more stable energy supply.
• Reduced environmental impact: Green coal has a lower carbon footprint and produces fewer pollutants than fossil coal. The production of green coal from MSW reduces greenhouse gas emissions and does not emit harmful pollutants.

Macawber Beekay has been making conscious and consistent efforts toward the protection of our environment so that CO2 emissions reduce significantly. We have done this by creating a better, sustainable alternative to fossil coal in the form of ‘Green Coal’. Though the waste-to-coal initiative is at a nascent stage, we are confident that our efforts are in the right direction & in line with India’s promise at the COP26 Glasgow summit on cutting its emissions to net zero by 2070.

We firmly believe that waste to energy will play an important role in shaping the future of the energy sector. The benefits of using green coal are many, and industries and thermal power plants can take advantage of them to reduce their environmental impact, lower their costs, and improve their energy security. By making the switch to this eco-friendly alternative, you too can help create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Reach us today at https://www.mbl.in/greencoal to know more about Green Coal.