Clean Coal: Trump’s Vision and the Challenges Ahead

Clean coal refers to the process of capturing carbon emissions from coal power plants and either storing them underground or repurposing them to reduce environmental impact. While it aims to make coal a more environmentally friendly energy source, critics argue that the technology is costly, energy-intensive, and not widely scalable.

President-elect Donald Trump has been a vocal advocate of clean coal. During a press conference this week, he stated, “We’ll soon unleash American Energy, and this will be done at levels not seen before, issuing quick approvals for pipelines, drilling, and other infrastructure.” He emphasized the importance of clean coal, saying, “We’re also going to create Clean Coal. Clean Coal is something that has really taken over. We have coal that will last for over a thousand years. With a process, it becomes Clean Coal. It’s very powerful energy, unlike wind—it’s very, very powerful.” Trump also underscored his branding of the concept, adding, “I don’t ever use the word ‘coal.’ I use the word ‘clean coal.’”

Critics argue that clean coal remains more a concept than a reality. Technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), central to clean coal, are expensive and energy-intensive. Despite significant investments, large-scale deployment in the U.S. has been limited, with only a handful of facilities operational. Experts question whether clean coal can compete with the rapidly declining costs of solar, wind, and other renewable sources. Furthermore, environmental advocates point out that clean coal still involves mining, which has its own environmental and social impacts.

The practicality of Trump’s vision faces several obstacles. Developing clean coal technology requires substantial investment, making it less competitive compared to renewables like solar and wind. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) remains underdeveloped, with many facilities encountering technical and financial hurdles. Additionally, mining and transportation linked to coal production continue to cause ecological damage, raising questions about how “clean” the technology truly is.

While Trump’s vision positions clean coal as a pathway to energy independence and economic revitalization for coal-rich states, its widespread adoption remains uncertain. As the U.S. energy landscape evolves, clean coal’s role will likely depend on advancements in technology and the political will to support its development.