How Do Power Stations and Coal Mines Affect Your Surroundings?

Most power stations which are considered the dirtiest coal-fired power plants, are set to close down in March this year. This major undertaking and moving away from fossil fuel power and toward more renewable energy options are currently being met with mixed reactions by different sectors of society. There are benefits and repercussions that would impact the certain area as a whole, but at the same time, the effects of the transition will also be immediately felt by the communities which have been primary players in supplying energy requirements for the longest time.

Know how these power stations and coal mines affect your surroundings and why closure is necessary. When these power stations and coal mines are closed the carbon emissions will decrease. The power plant is one of the oldest coal-fired power plants in the country as well as one of the most emissions-intensive ones. It burns more carbon-intensive brown coal, and as such has been producing what is equivalent to 1,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide per gig watt hour of energy produced. And once the plant's operations cease, there would be a direct impact on carbon emissions.

Additionally, community and environmental health will improve. Burning coal creates pollution which puts people living within the vicinity of the plant at risk for various health conditions. Closing the plant means that locals will experience significantly less exposure to harmful air-borne particles.

However, closing these plants also has drawbacks and disadvantages. Among those is the rise of electricity price. Closing the coal mines means that people must now rely on electricity to meet their energy requirements. However, even if households choose to use energy-efficient lights and appliances, the demand for electricity continues to rise, pressuring prices to do the same.

Closing such plants will also create higher unemployment levels. Hence, the transition stands to strike a major economic blow that would directly affect the lives of the locals. The plant employs over 300 contractors and 500 staff. These plants have been supplying the area's energy needs for many years and the closure has locals struggling to visualize an uncertain future.

Lastly, most experts have been organising discussions with residents about their aspirations and expectations for the transition. At this delicate stage, focusing on key areas like wellness, education, economic growth and resilience should be the priority to support the community. These factors should be the main focus of the people to ensure an easier transition as this can really be a challenge especially for the locals.


 By Mike Timothy Hawk


Article Source: How Do Power Stations and Coal Mines Affect Your Surroundings?