Between 1980 and 2005, coal-fired power plants saw an average of 11 fires/explosions, 29 injuries, and 5 deaths each year.

Coal is as volatile as always.

Just last year, the India Coal Plant exploded and killed 43 people. Dozens more were injured when gas and steam were released. The explosion was due to excess ash that caused the pressure in the boiler unit to quickly reach 70 times its normal level in just minutes.

What is the main cause of coal-fired power plants?

When a fire ignites, oxygen, fuel, and heat have merged into the fire triangle. When an explosion happens, the fire triangle is present as well as the dispersion of confined dust. While fuel (coal) and oxygen cannot be avoided in a coal-fired power plant, there is a way to avoid an ignition source and mitigate dust.