In a recent press conference, President Donald Trump once again referred to “clean coal” as a central part of America’s energy strategy.
It’s a phrase that’s been around for years, used to suggest that coal — long criticized for its environmental impact — has somehow become a clean, viable energy source through technological advancement.
The problem? That claim doesn’t hold up against the facts.
What Does “Clean Coal” Actually Mean?
Let’s start with a basic definition: “clean coal” is not a new or different kind of coal. It refers to a set of technologies designed to reduce the environmental damage caused by burning coal, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
The most talked-about technology in this space is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) — a process that captures CO₂ emissions from power plants and stores them underground.
Other approaches sometimes lumped into “clean coal” include:
Coal washing (removing impurities before burning),
Advanced combustion systems (improving efficiency), and
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) (converting coal into a gas before burning).
These techniques do not make coal clean. They aim to reduce the harm, not eliminate it.
What’s Actually Happened in the U.S.
Despite years of promises and billions in public and private funding, no major clean coal project in the U.S. is currently operating with carbon capture. Here’s a brief overview of the most prominent attempts:
❌ Kemper Project (Mississippi)
Goal: Convert coal into gas and capture emissions.
Cost: $2.4 billion ballooned to $7.5 billion.
Outcome: The CCS component was abandoned in 2017. The plant runs on natural gas.
❌ FutureGen (Illinois)
Goal: Achieve 90% carbon capture at a demonstration plant.
Funding: Over $1 billion.
Outcome: Canceled in 2015 after long delays and budget overruns.
❌ Petra Nova (Texas)
Goal: Capture 1.6 million tons of CO₂ per year.
Outcome: Operated briefly, suspended in 2020 due to financial losses.
❌ Texas Clean Energy Project (Odessa)
Goal: Build a near-total capture coal plant.
Outcome: Never built. Project was scrapped after planning issues and rising costs.
❌ San Juan Generating Station (New Mexico)
Goal: Retrofit an existing plant with CCS.
Outcome: Investor withdrew in 2023. Plant was shut down.
The Data Is Clear
Every large-scale “clean coal” initiative in the U.S. has failed to deliver on its goals.
No U.S. coal plant is currently operating with commercial-scale carbon capture.
The reasons: high cost, technical complexity, and better-performing alternatives like natural gas and renewable energy.
Why This Matters
When energy policy is shaped by inaccurate claims, we waste time, money, and opportunity. Billions have already been spent chasing clean coal, and the technology is nowhere near mass adoption.
President Trump’s reference to clean coal suggests a solution that has not materialized — and repeating the claim gives the public a false sense of progress in addressing climate and energy challenges.
Final Thought
“Clean coal” as a concept may have merit in theory, especially as research into carbon capture continues. But at present, it’s not powering our homes, not cleaning up emissions at scale, and not competing economically.
It’s time to move the conversation forward based on facts — not outdated slogans.