Ligniittiä

Ligniittiä is the Finnish word for lignite, a soft, brown, combustible sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It is considered the lowest rank of coal, with the least amount of carbon and the highest amount of moisture. Lignite is primarily composed of huminite and a smaller amount of inertinite macerals. Its formation occurs under relatively low pressure and temperature conditions.

Globally, lignite deposits are widespread, with significant reserves found in countries like Germany, Russia, the United States, and Australia. It is typically extracted through open-pit mining due to its shallow deposits. The primary use of lignite is as fuel for electricity generation in power plants. Its high moisture content and lower calorific value compared to higher-rank coals make it less efficient for energy production and more prone to combustion issues.

Despite its drawbacks, lignite remains an important energy source in some regions due to its abundance and lower extraction costs. However, its combustion releases a higher proportion of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, and other pollutants like sulfur dioxide, compared to other fossil fuels. This environmental impact has led to increased scrutiny and efforts to reduce its reliance in favor of cleaner energy alternatives. Lignite can also be processed to produce synthetic natural gas or ammonia, though these applications are less common than its direct use as fuel.