Nuked 
Hello there, tech enthusiasts! Let’s dive into an intriguing development in the world of energy.
President Donald Trump is gearing up to sign an executive order designed to breathe new life into the coal industry. This move comes amid growing demands for electricity spurred by the booming data center market.
The forthcoming order aims to categorize coal as a critical mineral, compelling certain coal-fired power plants, which were on the brink of shutting down, to continue operations.
Despite these efforts, many experts believe that this directive won’t completely reverse the decline of coal in the energy sector. In fact, coal’s contribution to electricity generation has plummeted from over half in 2001 to around 15% today.
Regulations aimed at ensuring cleaner air have been a significant cause for the shutdown of many power plants, but the primary factors driving down coal usage are the rise of inexpensive natural gas and the increasing competitiveness of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
It’s important to note that coal is notorious for being one of the most polluting forms of electricity generation. It produces more carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour compared to any other fossil fuel and emits a cocktail of harmful pollutants that contribute to environmental and health crises.
Interestingly, the Trump administration might find more success advocating for metallurgical coal, which is used in steel production. Although greener alternatives in steel-making are emerging, they tend to be costlier.
As we look to the future, while existing coal plants may receive a temporary reprieve, they will face fierce competition from solar and wind power, which continue to drop in price and are increasingly quicker to deploy.
