Kohlen

Kohlen is the plural form of Kohle in German and is commonly translated as coal. In ordinary German usage, Kohlen may refer to coal as a material, coal piles, or solid fuels derived from ancient vegetation. The term appears in mining, energy, and metallurgy contexts.

Coal varieties are categorized by rank and composition. The main types are lignite (Braunkohle), which is soft and abundant in some regions; bituminous coal (Steinkohle); and anthracite (Anthrazitkohle), the highest rank with few impurities. Kohlen can refer to these solid fuels used for heating, electricity, or coke production.

Coal forms from buried vegetation transformed by heat and pressure over millions of years. It consists mainly of carbon, with varying moisture, sulfur, and ash. Calorific value depends on rank and quality; impurities influence burn characteristics. Processing aims to improve efficiency and reduce emissions in use.

Historically, coal fueled industrialization in Europe, especially in the Ruhr area, driving urban growth and economic development. From the 19th through the 20th century, coal mining and coal-fired power dominated energy supply. In recent decades production declined as industries shifted to other energy sources.

Today, coal remains part of the energy mix in some sectors, notably for steel production and certain power plants, but its role is shrinking in many regions due to environmental concerns and policy measures. Emissions trading and decarbonization efforts accompany the ongoing energy transition.