The coal is transported to thermal power plants, where it is ground into dust. Coaldust is put into the boiler and burned for thermal energy. Water in tubes around the boiler is heated, producing steam. Steam under high pressure is directed towards turbine blades producing rotation. Mechanical energy from the turbine turns the generator which produces electric energy.

Risks

Coal dust suspended in air is explosive. Coal dust has far more surface area than chunks of coal per unit weight, and is more susceptible to spontaneous combustion.

Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis is caused by inhaling coal mine dust.