Question

Which fuel is used in thermal power plants ? What are the problems associated with this type of power generation ?

Answer 1

The substance used as fuel in thermal power plants is the combustible form of carbon. It is formed when a plant decays and converts into peat in Earth by heat and pressure of deep burial over millions of years. There are many health-related problems that arise due to thermal power plants.

Complete answer:
Coal is used as fuel in thermal power plants. It is a combustible form of carbon present as black sedimentary rock. The coal is heated to produce energy which is stored as electricity. There are various thermal plants present in India and they are working well to produce electricity.
But there are many problems associated with the power generation by burning coal. Some are like, the burning of coal causes various types of pollution. It may cause air pollution due to the release of gases in the atmosphere. There is water pollution also. All these results in many health-related issues in humans like it may cause various respiratory problems. Any harmful component may get added in our food chain through water pollution.
As the hot water is released in water bodies, it may affect the fishes and other aquatic organisms present in the water. It may even kill some micro-organisms. Water pollution also affects the quality of water and affects the quantity of available water for consumption.
Further, coal is a non-renewable source of energy. It takes years to form. So, once utilised in excess may lead to the deficiency of coal in future.

Note: It must be noted that many harmful substances are released when coal is burnt. Workers of a thermal power plant may get affected by certain elements. Such as the sulphur dioxide can lead to lung problems, asthma and chronic bronchitis etc.