steenkolen

Steenkolen is the Dutch word for coal, specifically bituminous coal. It refers to a black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, formed from the fossilized remains of plants that died millions of years ago. This process, known as coalification, involves the decomposition of plant matter under heat and pressure.

Historically, steenkolen played a crucial role in the industrial revolution and beyond as a primary energy source. It was mined extensively in various regions, including Limburg in the Netherlands, and fueled steam engines, power generation, and industrial processes. The extraction and use of steenkolen have significant environmental implications, including air pollution from burning and land disturbance from mining.

In modern times, the use of steenkolen has declined in many developed countries due to environmental concerns and the rise of alternative energy sources like natural gas, nuclear power, and renewables. However, it remains an important fuel in some parts of the world. The term steenkolen is specific to the Dutch language and context, differentiating it from other forms of coal or energy sources.