Coal in Canada: raining on the king's parade

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1982 · Wood Energy; (United States)

OSTI ID:5751593

Wood, C

Use of coal as a fuel in homes in Canada is reviewed. It is pointed out that the greatest irritant in Canadian - USA relations is the belief by Canadians that acid rain (coming from coal-fired plants in the USA) is killing off lakes in Canada. As a result, the widespread belief that coal causes acid rain, coupled with the notion that coal is a dirty and old-fashioned fuel, has dampened enthusiasm for coal among many Canadians. In Toronto, Vancouver, and northern Alberta use of coal stoves is almost non existant. In other areas, particularly where coal stoves have been tried, use of coal is quite extensive (Cape Breton Islands is an example). It is pointed out that Canada has only one proven source of anthracite coal; over 95% of Canada's 50 billion ton coal reserve is low quality bituminous or lignite. Overall, it is estimated that only 18,000 households (0.2%) currently use coal. Changes from oil heating is usually to gas. It is emphasized, however, that the potential for coal use is great if the spectre of acid rain could be lifted. (MJJ)

• OSTI ID: 5751593
• Journal Information: Wood Energy; (United States), Vol. 2:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
ACID RAIN
BITUMINOUS COAL
USES
CANADA
COAL
COMBUSTION
PUBLIC OPINION
AIR POLLUTION
ANTHRACITE
COAL DEPOSITS
HOUSES
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
BLACK COAL
BUILDINGS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MATERIALS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
OXIDATION
POLLUTION
RAIN
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RESOURCES
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
014000* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Combustion
010900 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Environmental Aspects