The main use of coal in the United States is to generate electricity. In 2008, 92.9 percent of all the coal in the United States is used for electricity production. Coal generates almost half of the electricity used in the U.S. Other energy sources used to generate electricity include uranium (nuclear power), hydropower, natural gas, biomass, and wind.
Another major use of coal is in iron and steelmaking. The iron industry uses coke ovens to melt iron ore. Coke, an almost pure carbon residue of coal, is used as a fuel in smelting metals. The United States has the finest coking coals in the world. These coals are shipped around the world for use in coke ovens. Coal is also used by other industries. The paper, brick, limestone, and cement industries all use coal to make products.
Coal is no longer a major energy source for heating American homes or other buildings. Less than half of one percent of the coal produced in the U.S. today is used for heating. Coal furnaces, which were popular years ago, have largely been replaced by oil or gas furnaces or by electric heat pumps.
Another major use of coal is in iron and steelmaking. The iron industry uses coke ovens to melt iron ore. Coke, an almost pure carbon residue of coal, is used as a fuel in smelting metals. The United States has the finest coking coals in the world. These coals are shipped around the world for use in coke ovens. Coal is also used by other industries. The paper, brick, limestone, and cement industries all use coal to make products.
Coal is no longer a major energy source for heating American homes or other buildings. Less than half of one percent of the coal produced in the U.S. today is used for heating. Coal furnaces, which were popular years ago, have largely been replaced by oil or gas furnaces or by electric heat pumps.