Based on U.S. coal production of about 0.9 billion short tons in 2015, the country’s estimated recoverable coal reserves would last for nearly 300 years . Of course, that could fluctuate depending on production pace and changes in estimated reserves. But you get the point... We have enough coal to last for several generations. Thermal coal – also known as “steam” coal – is the type that’s used for electricity and heat. Metallurgical coal – also called “met” or “coking” coal – is a special type that’s primarily used to make steel. As the Industrial Revolution expanded from Europe to the U.S. during the early 1800s, coal played a major role in the country’s energy market. Steamships and steam-powered railroads became popular during that time... They used coal to operate. And by the 1880s, Americans started using coal to light homes and factories. There are two kinds of coal... And each has a different use.
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