Efficient Energy Source for Power Generation & Industrial Heat
What is Steam Coal?
Steam coal, also known as thermal coal, is a grade of coal primarily used to generate steam in boilers, which then drives turbines to produce electricity. Unlike metallurgical coal (used in steelmaking), steam coal is valued for its calorific value, combustion efficiency, and availability in bulk.
Main Uses of Steam Coal
- Power Generation
🔌 Used in thermal power plants as a primary fuel source
🔁 Converted into steam → mechanical energy → electricity - Industrial Heating
🏭 Applied in boilers, kilns, and furnaces in industries like:- Textile
- Cement
- Paper & pulp
- Sugar mills
- Steam-Based Processing
🧪 Involved in drying, sterilizing, and distillation processes across various sectors
Steam Coal Global Trade & Demand
Steam coal is one of the most traded energy commodities in the world. Major exporters include:
- Indonesia – Sub-bituminous and bituminous steam coal (low sulfur)
- Australia – High-energy thermal coal
- South Africa – Medium- to high-grade thermal coal
Russia – Bituminous steam coal - China & 🇮🇳 India – Large consumers and partial exporters
Specifications of Steam Coal
| Parameter | Common Values (Varies by origin) |
|---|---|
| Gross Calorific Value (GCV) | 4,000 – 6,500 kcal/kg (ARB or ADB basis) |
| Ash Content | 5% – 20% |
| Volatile Matter | 20% – 35% |
| Moisture | 5% – 15% (Air Dried Basis) |
| Fixed Carbon | 35% – 60% |
| Sulfur | < 1% to 2% (varies) |
| Size | 0–50 mm (custom sizes for industrial use) |
GCV can be reported as:
- ADB (Air-Dried Basis)
- ARB (As Received Basis)
- DB (Dry Basis) – depending on client or lab standards
Grades of Steam Coal
| Grade | GCV Range (kcal/kg) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| High GCV | 6000+ | Power stations, industrial plants |
| Medium GCV | 5000 – 5800 | General industry use |
| Low GCV | 4200 – 4800 | Boilers, captive power plants |
Steam Coal in Pakistan
- Imported primarily from:
🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇫 Afghanistan (for low-grade coal) - Domestic sources:
- Thar coal (Lignite – lower grade, used in power)
- Salt Range & Lakhra (Bituminous – moderate GCV)
- Industries using steam coal in Pakistan:
- Cement (Lucky, DG Khan Cement)
- Textile (mills in Punjab and Sindh)
- Brick kilns
- Power plants (Hubco, Port Qasim)
Packaging & Delivery
| Form | Delivery Method |
|---|---|
| Loose Bulk | In trucks, wagons, or ships |
| Sized (0-50mm / 10-25mm) | Based on buyer’s combustion system |
| Containerized (rare) | For small, high-value orders |
Why Choose Steam Coal?
- Efficient and cost-effective energy source
- Adaptable for multiple industries
- Compatible with large-scale and mid-scale boilers
- Readily available and scalable supply chain
- Easier storage compared to liquid fuels
Conclusion
Steam coal remains a vital industrial and energy fuel, especially for developing economies and high-consumption sectors like cement and textiles. Whether you are a wholesaler, importer, or industrial buyer, sourcing consistent-grade steam coal ensures energy stability, production continuity, and cost control.
