what is coal used for today
Less than one percent of the coal produced in the U.S. today is used for heating. Coal furnaces, which were popular years ago, have largely been replaced by oil or gas furnaces or by electric heat pumps.
Uses of Coal. In the United States, coal is responsible for almost 50% of electricity generation. Globally, coal generates close to 67% of the electricity used. Coal is also used in the creation of steel. In fact, 70% of the world's steel is created using coal as the energy source.