Aspects Regarding the Use of Coal in the Production of Electrical and Thermal Energy

Abstract Globally, coal was and remains one of the main primary energy resources, being the cheapest option for power generation. Coal deposits are available in large quantities, its exploitation being done with more stable prices and less sensitive to a series of international events, but it has the disadvantage of significant additional costs, due to the technologies required to reduce emissions in the environment. Romania, one of the most important coal-producing countries in Europe, has a long tradition in the mining industry and has important coal reserves, which can ensure the continuity of production for more than 150 years. Unfortunately, after 1989, coal production in our country almost halved, mainly due to the decrease in mining activity and the reduction of coal consumption (both by industry, such as steel and households - for the heat consumed from power plants based on of coal). At the moment, Romania mainly imports coal, but the share of imported coal also decreased to a quarter compared to 1990.