The term “white coal” is sometimes used for which type of energy?

The term “white coal” is commonly used for hydroelectricity, a renewable form of energy generated by harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing or falling water. Just as traditional coal is used to produce electricity by burning it for heat, hydroelectric power uses the movement of water to turn turbines and generate electricity, without the need for combustion. The term “white coal” emphasizes that this form of energy is clean, sustainable, and derived from water, often appearing as white, foaming water in rivers and waterfalls.

Hydroelectricity is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of renewable energy. Dams are often constructed on rivers to store water in reservoirs. When water is released, it flows through turbines, spinning them to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. This process does not produce harmful greenhouse gases, unlike fossil fuels, making it environmentally friendly.

White coal is especially significant in countries with abundant rivers and water resources. Its advantages include continuous power generation, low operating costs, and long lifespan of infrastructure. Some famous examples include the Three Gorges Dam in China and the Itaipu Dam between Brazil and Paraguay. Besides electricity production, dams can also provide water for irrigation, flood control, and recreational activities.

Unlike geothermal electricity (heat from the Earth), wind energy (moving air), or biomass energy (organic material), hydroelectricity directly uses water flow as its energy source. This makes it uniquely referred to as “white coal” because of its resemblance to traditional coal in producing energy, but without polluting the environment.

Thus, the correct answer is Hydroelectricity, highlighting its importance as a clean, renewable, and sustainable energy source.