what is lignite

Lignite, often referred to as brown coal, is a soft, brown, combustible sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It has a relatively low carbon content of around 25-35% and is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its low heat content. Lignite is mined all around the world and is used almost exclusively as a fuel for steam-electric power generation. It has a high content of volatile matter, which makes it easier to convert into gas and liquid petroleum products than higher-ranking coals. However, its high moisture content and susceptibility to spontaneous combustion can cause problems in transportation and storage. Lignite-generated electricity is abundant, low-cost, reliable, and environmentally sustainable, and it is used in an environmentally-responsible manner by power plants