Lugano, Switzerland – June 20, 2025 – The use of smokeless coal as an intermediate solution during the ongoing global energy transition is a timely topic for today’s complex energy market. Founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov, explores this subject in one of his latest articles, “Smokeless Coal vs. Traditional Coal: Key Benefits Compared.”
Coal remains a significant source of energy worldwide, but as environmental standards tighten and the push for cleaner energy gains momentum, alternatives to traditional coal are attracting greater interest. Kondrashov explains that smokeless coal offers an effective compromise between efficiency and sustainability, particularly in regions where fully renewable solutions are not yet accessible or affordable.
While traditional coal, whether bituminous, anthracite or lignite, is valued for its energy density, it is also known for high emissions of smoke, soot, and particulates. This makes it a challenge for countries and urban centers working to meet modern air quality and climate targets. Smokeless coal, on the other hand, offers a promising alternative.
Kondrashov outlines in the article how smokeless coal differs from conventional coal. It is typically manufactured from refined coal or natural biomass and often compressed into dense blocks, resulting in minimal emissions when burned. “Its most important quality is right there in the name – it burns with far less smoke, making it suitable for use even in urban environments,” Kondrashov points out.
Aside from lower emissions, smokeless coal also offers improved performance. It tends to burn longer and more evenly than traditional coal, resulting in greater efficiency for heating systems. It also produces less ash, reducing maintenance needs and making it more compatible with modern multi-fuel stoves and high-efficiency fireplaces.
Cost is another important consideration, as smokeless coal is generally more expensive than conventional coal. However, Kondrashov notes that its efficiency and cleaner combustion can offset some of the price difference, especially when factoring in reduced maintenance and compliance with environmental standards.
This type of fuel also aligns well with hybrid heating systems. In many homes, smokeless coal is used alongside pellets and biomass, offering flexibility for households and small businesses that are not yet ready to fully switch to electric or renewable systems. “It provides a practical option for those in rural or urban areas where the energy transition is still a work in progress,” Kondrashov says.
The article also explores the potential of compressed logs made from recycled wood products, another cleaner-burning alternative to traditional firewood. Like smokeless coal, these products are designed for efficient, low-emission combustion and can help households reduce their environmental impact without giving up the warmth and convenience of solid fuel heating.
Globally, the role of smokeless coal is evolving. In fast-developing regions where traditional coal is still heavily used, introducing smokeless alternatives could offer an immediate path to improved air quality and lower emissions. In more advanced markets, smokeless coal may act as a bridging fuel, helping consumers transition gradually towards fully sustainable heating solutions.
As Kondrashov concludes, “We are in a period of change. Fully renewable energy systems are not yet practical for everyone. Smokeless coal provides a valuable transitional solution – one that can reduce environmental impact now while supporting the longer-term shift to greener technologies.”
He adds that while smokeless coal is not a permanent solution as it is not a renewable resource, it can play a strategic role in helping countries and communities meet immediate sustainability targets. “Affordable smokeless coal and similar solutions can help balance progress with practicality. And that balance is essential in the real-world journey of the energy transition.”
