Question

Coal switching refers to the practice of

A: converting oil or natural gas power plants to coal because coal is cheaper.
B: pulverizing coal in order to make it burn more efficiently.
C: converting coal power plants to oil or natural gas to reduce SOx emissions.
D: using coal with a lower sulfur content to reduce SOx emissions.

Answer 1

The practice of coal switching refers to using coal with a lower sulfur content to reduce SOx emissions, which helps power plants limit environmental pollution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Coal switching most accurately refers to the practice of using coal with a lower sulfur content to reduce sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions. This approach allows power plants to meet environmental regulations by limiting the amount of these harmful emissions released into the atmosphere. In comparison to other fuel sources, coal tends to emit higher levels of sulfur dioxide (SO2), which can lead to environmental issues such as acid rain and health concerns. Therefore, the correct answer is D: using coal with a lower sulfur content to reduce SOx emissions. Coal gasification and liquefaction are different processes aimed at converting coal to gaseous or liquid fuels, making coal more convenient to transport and use, as well as helping to remove sulfur and produce cleaner-burning fuels.