Pentagon ordered to purchase electricity from coal-fired power plants

US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing the Pentagon to purchase electricity generated by coal-fired plants. The order, signed on Wednesday, aims to prioritize the “preservation and strategic utilisation” of coal-based energy assets.

The US Department of Defence will enter into long-term purchase agreements with coal-fired plants, according to the order. However, the details of the agreement, including the amount of energy to be purchased and financial terms, are not specified.

Trump attended a White House event where he praised coal industry executives and miners, stating that they “heat our homes, fuel our factories, and turn natural resources into American riches and dreams.” He also announced that the US Department of Energy will invest $175m to upgrade six coal plants in North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia.

Coal production in the US has declined significantly over the past decade, with output falling by more than half between 2008 and 2023. The fossil fuel accounted for about 16 percent of US energy production in 2023, behind natural gas and renewables at 43 percent and 21 percent, respectively.

The US Energy Information Administration reported that coal production hit 578 million tonnes in 2023. A recent analysis by Energy Innovation found that 99 percent of coal-powered facilities in the US were more expensive to run than their replacement with renewable alternatives.

Trump has been a vocal supporter of reviving the fossil fuel industry, despite concerns over climate change and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The order is part of his efforts to boost demand for coal amid declining cost competitiveness.

Source: Al Jazeera