Coal currently makes up about 40% of the world’s power supply. This is projected to grow by an additional 60% by 2030 – mostly by developing countries. Coal also is responsible for 40% of CO2 emissions related to energy. According to a 2008 report, between 1975 and 2005, 448 coal-fired plants were built in the US and a system of transmission has developed around these plants. However, a new report by Nordhaus et al published in the American Economic Review cite coal-fired energy plants are responsible for more than a quarter of the damage caused by pollution. With this insight in hand, Zpryme pokes new holes in coal development costs versus natural gas & renewables.

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