U.S. needs to keep coal plants open to meet growing electricity demand, energy secretary says

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government is advocating for increased coal production to meet the rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence data centers and other industries, emphasizing the need to halt the closure of coal plants [1][2]. Group 1: Government Policy and Initiatives - Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that to significantly grow electricity production in the U.S. over the next five to ten years, the country must stop closing coal plants [1]. - President Trump is expected to sign an order that will classify coal as a critical mineral, allowing federal agencies to prioritize coal extraction on federal lands [1]. - The Trump administration aims to expand electricity output by 25%, highlighting coal as a central source of reliable and affordable energy [2]. Group 2: Current Energy Landscape - In 2023, coal accounted for approximately 16% of U.S. electricity generation, a significant decrease from 51% in 2001, largely due to the rise of natural gas following the shale boom [4]. - The administration's push for coal comes in the context of a broader strategy to expedite the construction of power plants, particularly for data centers, with coal suggested as a potential backup power source [3].