a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock with a high amount of carbon and hydrocarbons. Coal is classified as a nonrenewable energy source because it takes millions of years to form. Coal contains the energy stored by plants that lived hundreds of millions of years ago in swampy forests.
Pros
High energy density; can be used to generate electricity 24/7/365
Cons
It’s dirty and terrible for our planet
Real Talk
The transition from coal to RE sources needs to happen but let’s be thoughtful of those that have kept the lights on all these years.