#coalmining

[usnatarchives]

Power and Light Exhibit 💡

Immerse yourself in the Power & Light exhibit, a profound exploration of the coal miner’s life in 1946 America through the compassionate lens of Russell Lee. A master of documentary photography, Lee was tasked with an extraordinary project following labor strikes—a nationwide survey capturing the essence of remote coal communities. His photos, over 200 of which are featured in our #ArchivesPowerAndLight exhibit, shed light on the rich tapestry of everyday moments against the backdrop of a pivotal time in labor history.

Beyond documenting the gritty realities of coal mining, Lee's photographs celebrate the strength, resilience, and unity of the families that powered these communities. From pride in their homes to solidarity in the mines, every image narrates a story woven into the broader American saga.

Lee, a notable figure among the greats like Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange, believed in the power of photography to create social change. He carried his camera through 13 states, into the homes and lives of those who toiled beneath the earth, and emerged with more than just images—he captured stories that continue to resonate with us today.

This exhibit invites you to traverse time and experience the power and light within this historical archive. Witness the intimate and candid moments Lee immortalized and see the enduring legacy of his work at the National Archives.

[mythologyofblue]

A coal mine: miners at work above and below ground. Coloured lithograph.

[nmnomad]

Cerrillos Coal Company began mining in Madrid around 1835. It was Coal Gulch before it was Madrid. They built the entire town, including a 6.5 mile standard gauge railroad spur connecting the community to the main line of the Santa Fe Railroad by 1892. The town produced 250,000 tons of coal a year at its peak, with a population larger than Albuquerque.

[photographybyronterner]

1978 Assam India coal mine.

[gsinfotechvispvtltd]

Transitioning from Coal to Renewables

Introduction

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, transitioning from coal to renewable energy has become a critical priority for many countries. Coal has long been a dominant source of energy, providing power to industries, homes, and businesses. However, the environmental impact of coal, particularly in terms of carbon emissions and pollution, has led to an urgent need for cleaner alternatives. This transition is not only essential for combating climate change but also presents economic opportunities for growth and innovation.

Why Transition from Coal?

Coal is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for climate change and environmental degradation. The burning of coal releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, all of which have harmful effects on air quality and public health. Additionally, coal mining itself has devastating impacts on ecosystems, leading to deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination.

Given these environmental and health challenges, the need to shift from coal to cleaner energy sources is more pressing than ever. Renewable energy, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, offers a sustainable and low-emission alternative that can meet energy needs without the damaging side effects of coal.

The Benefits of Renewable Energy

Environmental Sustainability: Renewable energy sources produce little to no emissions. For instance, solar and wind power generate electricity without releasing greenhouse gases or pollutants, helping to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution.

Cost Efficiency: Technological advancements have made renewable energy more cost-effective than ever. The costs of solar and wind power have dramatically decreased over the past decade, making them competitive with or even cheaper than coal in many regions.

Job Creation: The renewable energy sector is a growing industry, offering opportunities for job creation and economic development. As coal plants close, renewable energy projects can provide new employment opportunities in construction, maintenance, and engineering.

Energy Independence: Renewable energy allows countries to reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels. By harnessing local resources such as sunlight, wind, or water, nations can achieve greater energy security and reduce exposure to global energy price fluctuations.

Challenges in the Transition

Despite its many advantages, transitioning from coal to renewables is not without challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the existing infrastructure. Many countries have built their energy systems around coal, and shifting to renewable energy will require significant investments in new infrastructure, such as smart grids, energy storage, and transmission lines.

Additionally, the intermittency of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, poses a challenge. Unlike coal, which can provide constant power, renewable sources are dependent on weather conditions. However, advancements in energy storage technologies, such as batteries, are helping to address this issue, making renewable energy more reliable.

The Path Forward

The transition from coal to renewable energy is not only necessary but also inevitable as the world confronts the realities of climate change. Governments, businesses, and communities must work together to accelerate this shift. Policies such as carbon pricing, subsidies for renewable energy projects, and phasing out coal power plants can encourage the transition.

Investing in research and development for renewable technologies, alongside upgrading energy infrastructure, will be key to ensuring that the switch to renewables is both efficient and cost-effective. Furthermore, providing training and resources for workers in coal-dependent regions can help minimize the social and economic impacts of this transition, ensuring a just and equitable shift to a greener future.

Conclusion

The transition from coal to renewable energy is essential for a sustainable and cleaner future. While challenges remain, the benefits—environmental, economic, and social—far outweigh the difficulties. By embracing renewable energy, the world can reduce its reliance on coal, mitigate climate change, and build a more resilient and prosperous energy system for future generations.

[allaboutyoupostnthings]

Experience Thrills and Traditions at Bridge Day in New River Gorge

Imagine being in one of the most beautiful places on earth with views so stunning that it causes your soul sing with exhilarating joy. The views are so awe-inspiring that they leave you mesmerized. No words can convey the views found in New River Gorge. Each year the communities share their spirit with those who visit on Bridge Day. This day brings a song to the soul and exhilaration of…

[steel-structures]

Elegance Redefined: Innovative Coal Storage Building Solutions

Discover cutting-edge coal storage building designs. Enhance efficiency, embrace durability. Elevate your storage needs with our Steel Structures.

[biglisbonnews]

A Chinese coal mine collapsed under a 600-foot landslide At least five workers are dead in northern China after a sprawling coal mine collapsed under a landslide on Thursday (Feb. 23). The accident happened in the Inner Mongolia province, the country’s top coal-producing region. Reports from Chinese state media indicate more than 40 workers remain missing.Read more... https://qz.com/china-coal-mine-collapse-mongolia-1850149695

[usnatarchives]

The banners went up today for our new exhibit!

“Power & Light: Russell Lee’s Coal Survey” features more than 200 of Russell Lee’s photographs of coal miners and their families.

The man on the banner is Harry Fain, who was working as a coal loader for Inland Steel Company in Wheelwright, Kentucky, in 1946. He and his family appear in photographs throughout the exhibit.

“Power & Light” is free and opens to the public on March 16 in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.

Visit museum.archives.gov for details.

[indianchamber]

Coal and Energy Security

India plans to reduce emission intensity of GDP by 45% and aims at generating 500 GW of Renewable Energy from installed capacity by 2030. But India’s energy security has to be met from external sources as more than 85% of petroleum requirements are still imported.  Coal, by installed capacity, till date generates 50% of the electricity in India. And 10% of India’s coal is imported. Along with meeting the climate change goals of the future, we may have to generate electricity from coal for the next 2 decades unless there is a new discovery of energy sources or some innovative development in the energy sector in India. The continual integration of renewable energy plants poses grid challenges and hence we have to rely on conventional sources to meet the energy deficits created by intermittent generation . Though we have provided must run status to renewable energy based generations, we should consider life cycle emission of these power plants before planning the phasing out of coal-based generation. Moreover to take the share of renewables from 42%+ to 70%+ would take time.  However a switch from coal to natural gas reduces emission intensity by half while keeping the energy security intact. And this may help our future planning.

[loststoryart]

Hands full of coal ---- Art Prompt: Coal - #artrage #art #artist #artwork #digitalart #digitalartist #digitalsketch #digitaldrawing #digitalpainting #sketchaday #dailyart #dailysketch #dailydrawing #dailypainting #artchallenge #artprompts #referenceused #coal #coalmining (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnDAF5fqrjY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[qwerewwqwer]

#Kraftwerk #Lippendorf im #Abendlicht #Tagebau #VereinigtesSchleenhain #Neukieritzsch #sunset #coalmining #powerplant #climatechange #energy #saxony #eosr https://www.instagram.com/p/Cle2ZMroL-H/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[gsinfotechvispvtltd]

Economic Benefits of Coal Production

Introduction

Coal has long been a cornerstone of the global energy landscape, providing a significant portion of the world’s energy needs. Despite the rising popularity of renewable energy sources, coal production continues to play a vital role in the economy, particularly in countries with abundant reserves. This blog explores the various economic benefits associated with coal production, emphasizing its importance in job creation, local development, and energy pricing.

1. Job Creation

One of the most significant economic advantages of coal production is its capacity to create jobs. The coal industry directly employs thousands of individuals in mining operations, transportation, and processing. In addition to direct employment, coal mining also stimulates job creation in related sectors, including equipment manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance services. The jobs provided by the coal industry often come with competitive wages, benefiting local economies and providing families with stable incomes. For many communities, coal mining is a primary source of employment, and a decline in coal production can lead to significant economic challenges.

2. Local Economic Development

Coal production can have a substantial positive impact on local economies. Mining operations often lead to the development of infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, funded by coal companies. These investments not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also attract additional businesses to the area. Local businesses, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and service providers, benefit from the increased population and economic activity generated by the coal industry.

Furthermore, coal companies frequently invest in community development projects, contributing to the social fabric of the regions they operate in. This includes funding educational programs, vocational training, and community events, which help build a sense of community and enhance local resources.

3. Energy Pricing Stability

Coal remains one of the most affordable sources of energy available today. Its abundance in many regions means that domestic production can lead to reduced reliance on imported energy, which can be subject to price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. By maintaining a robust coal production industry, countries can stabilize energy prices, providing businesses and consumers with predictable energy costs. This stability is crucial for economic planning and development, as it allows businesses to budget effectively and invest confidently in their operations.

4. Export Opportunities

For countries rich in coal reserves, there is also the potential for significant export opportunities. Many nations export coal to meet the energy demands of other countries, particularly those transitioning from traditional energy sources to cleaner alternatives. This not only generates substantial revenue for exporting countries but also strengthens trade relationships and contributes to the overall economy. Exporting coal can provide countries with the financial resources needed to invest in cleaner technologies and diversify their energy portfolios.

5. Investment in Technology and Innovation

As the coal industry evolves, there is a growing emphasis on developing cleaner and more efficient coal technologies. Investment in research and development within the coal sector can lead to innovations that reduce emissions and enhance the overall efficiency of coal use. This not only benefits the environment but also creates new economic opportunities in technology development and implementation. Companies that lead in innovation may find new markets for their technologies, further boosting economic growth.

Conclusion

While the global energy landscape is undoubtedly changing, coal production continues to provide significant economic benefits. From job creation and local development to energy pricing stability and export opportunities, the coal industry plays a crucial role in supporting economies, particularly in regions rich in coal reserves. As the industry adapts to modern energy demands, it is essential to recognize the economic contributions of coal and explore ways to integrate sustainable practices, ensuring a balanced approach to energy production and economic growth.

[carlyraejepsans]

other artists have made a point of being like "stop saying you hate the pairing but like the art. it's annoying and still insulting" which is fair, but honestly every single time that's happened to me that person eventually came back to say they like them unironically now so. it doesn't even annoy me anymore, lol. oh, so you normally hate this ship? that's nice do tell me more. ignore the crosshair btw

[silverskye13]

Finally drew the Ranchers <3

[brandonraykirk]

Surface #mining in #WV #Appalachia #coal #coalmining #surfacemining #raleighcountywv https://www.instagram.com/p/CpKom8WOQOk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=