Coal dilemma: Is in situ clean power plant a way out?

Abstract

The global shift toward cleaner energy sources, driven by carbon neutrality goals and climate change urgency, faces a paradoxical rise in coal consumption despite efforts to expand alternative energies. Economic disparities drive reliance on coal, particularly in underdeveloped regions where affordability and accessibility dictate energy choices. To address this, innovative approaches such as harnessing controlled pulverized coal detonation for in situ clean power plants are proposed. These plants offer compact, efficient, and sustainable energy generation with reduced emissions and minimal environmental impact. In addition, a comparison of costs, efficiency, and environmental impact with conventional methods showcases the potential of this novel technology to transform coal‐based energy into a green and viable solution.