Coal

What is Coal?

Coal is a fossil fuel, i.e., a mineral formed over hundreds of millions of years from vegetation via heat and pressure .  Coal in Alberta can either be bituminous or sub-bituminous.  Sub-bituminous coal can be used “as is” while bituminous coal must undergo further processing.

Why is Coal Important to Alberta?

With 37 billion tons left to be mined in Alberta (Government of Alberta estimate, 2010), Alberta coal represents 70% of Canada’s total coal reserves and an energy resource that is difficult to downplay.  59% of Alberta’s electrical power was generated via coal in 2008.  This energy resources dwarfs all other sources of energy in the province including bitumen.  The Government of Alberta is continually looking at research and innovations to better utilitize this energy resource.