Factcheck.org has published a pretty good overview of the state of the discussion on coal as an energy source. Is so-called “clean coal” possible? Their answer: not yet, is probable, but with a hefty price tag.
What they leave out in their considerations are two observations.
One: adding traditional coal energy plants (with or without CO2 capture) to the grid will only increase the base load capacity, while you have to decrease this base load level to adapt to sustainable energy sources. Flexibility will become key in the future, coal is very inflexible.
Coal gassification on the other hand is very flexible and it allows for cheaper and easier CO2 capture.
Two: if you now allow investments in traditional coal plants with (future and yet unproven) end-of-pipe CO2 capture, you have painted yourself in a corner as society. All the riscs of end-of-pipe capture will be placed upon us all. If it does not work we have the lousy choice of throwing away the investment in the plant or allow CO2 emissions to be continued. If it turns out end-of-pipe capture works but it turns out to be very expensive we will pay the price directly or indirectly.
Bad public policy.
For anyone who wants to freshen up on the subject.
