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

Explanation

(1) The fuel used in the thermal power plant is coal Coal contains chemical energy. Upon burning it releases heat is used for generation of elecricity in the thermal power plants.
(2) Problems associated with power generations by thermal power plant :
(a) Air pollution : Due to burning of coal, there is emission of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide gases. These are harmful and toxic to health.
(b) Soot particles emitted during combustion can cause severe respiratory problems such as asthma.
(c) The coal reserves in the world are limited. They will be finished in next few hundred yesars and will not be replenished later. The scarcity of coal would result in energy crisis.