On Monday, June 23, 2025, TELF AG, based in Lugano, Switzerland, released an informative article exploring the potential role of smokeless coal as a transitional fuel in today’s energy landscape.
While the world is steadily moving towards renewable energy sources, many countries still heavily rely on traditional coal for electricity and heating. This presents a dilemma, but according to TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, there is a potential solution – smokeless coal.
In the article, Kondrashov highlights the importance of finding cleaner and more efficient forms of coal to achieve international sustainability goals. He states, “The energy transition gives us many ways to achieve international sustainability goals. One of them is through using cleaner, more efficient forms of coal – such as smokeless coal.”
Traditional coal, whether bituminous, anthracite, or lignite, is notorious for producing large amounts of smoke, soot, and other pollutants. Despite this, it continues to be used for home heating and electricity generation in many regions where access to cleaner energy options is limited. However, Kondrashov notes that smokeless coal offers a promising middle ground.
Manufactured to burn with minimal smoke and particulate emissions, smokeless coal is a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional coal. “This particular form of coal represents a bridge between traditional fuels and the more sustainable solutions we are aiming for,” explains Kondrashov.
One of the key advantages of smokeless coal is its suitability for urban environments, where improving air quality is a pressing goal. The article emphasizes how this fuel can help households maintain the convenience of solid fuel heating while significantly reducing their environmental impact.
So, what sets smokeless coal apart? It is often produced by compressing refined coal or biomass into dense blocks, sometimes with the addition of binders. The result is a fuel that burns longer, leaves less residue, and generates far fewer harmful emissions than traditional coal. “The nature of its combustion is much cleaner, and its calorific value remains high,” adds Kondrashov.
Smokeless coal is also more efficient, burning for longer periods and providing more consistent heat output. While it may be more expensive upfront, its efficiency can offset some of the higher costs. Additionally, maintenance costs are typically lower due to cleaner combustion reducing the need for chimney and appliance cleaning.
The article also explores how smokeless coal can be used in hybrid systems, combined with pellets or biomass. This flexibility is valuable, particularly for households using multifuel stoves or in areas where fully renewable heating solutions are not yet practical due to cost or infrastructure limitations.
Kondrashov points out, “Cheap smokeless coal can offer a practical solution in situations where alternatives like heat pumps are not yet viable. It allows people to continue using existing systems while lowering their environmental footprint during this critical phase of the transition.”
Moreover, smokeless coal is also being used in the production of compressed logs made from recycled wood residues, providing another cleaner alternative to traditional firewood. These logs are easy to ignite, burn cleanly, and produce minimal ash, making them ideal for modern stoves and fireplaces.
While acknowledging that smokeless coal is not a long-term solution, Kondrashov highlights its value as a transitional fuel. “It is not a renewable source and cannot be the final goal of the energy transition,” he notes. “But at this stage, it offers a valuable option – one that can help bridge the gap where renewables are not yet fully practical.”
In conclusion, Kondrashov reminds readers that the energy transition will be gradual. “We are not switching from traditional fuels to renewables overnight. Solutions like smokeless coal can play an important role in helping households and industries make more sustainable choices in the meantime.”
As global energy systems continue to evolve, understanding transitional options such as smokeless coal will be crucial in building a cleaner, more resilient future.
This article was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
