RELEVANCE. A review of the current state of research on coal-water slurries in Russia and abroad is presented. Coal-water slurries are promising alternative types of energy fuels. Their use in the energy sector will allow generating thermal and electrical energy. It is possible to use a fairly wide range of substances as components of such fuels. One of the preferred types are various waste. The analysis of modern literature has shown a fairly wide range of directions for the study of multicomponent coal-water slurries.THE PURPOSE. To provide information on the current state of research in the field of technologies for the preparation, spraying and combustion of coal-water fuels, as well as on existing and promising additives to such slurries.METHODS. The study was carried out by the method of collecting and structuring information.RESULTS. The review of the current state of research in the field of technologies for the preparation, spraying and combustion of coal-water fuels, as well as existing and promising additives to such slurries, was carried out. It was found that additives of liquid combustible waste and biomass contribute to reducing the ignition delay time. At the same time, such additives do not reduce the quality characteristics of spraying multicomponent coal-water slurries. A number of components reduces the amount of emissions of combustion products of such fuels into the atmosphere. The influence of additives and components of coal-water slurries on their characteristics and properties was analyzed. It was shown that liquid components contribute to the intensification of ignition and combustion processes. In addition, their introduction into the fuel composition has a positive effect on the rheological properties of slurries, the characteristics of their spraying, combustion and the concentration of harmful emissions.CONCLUSION. Coal-water slurries are promising alternative types of energy fuels. The introduction of combustible components into the composition of coal-water slurries can significantly improve the rheological properties, which can improve the storage and transportation characteristics of such fuels. The established positive characteristics and properties of coal-water slurries provide prerequisites for the full-scale introduction of such fuels into industrial power engineering.