When many Jamaicans hear about coal as a possible energy source, their minds quickly move to the tightly packed branches and tree limbs covered with mud and left to burn for days in a kiln.

But that's not what is being contemplated as a possible alternative energy supply.

The coal that is used to generate electricity is plant remains of millions of years which were saved by water and mud from oxidisation and biodegradation.

The industry uses the term 'clean coal' to describe tech-nologies designed to enhance both the efficiency and the environmental acceptability of coal extraction, preparation and use.

The concept of clean coal is said to be a solution to climate change and global warming by coal industry groups, while environmental groups believe that because emissions and wastes are not avoided, coal cannot be clean.

The United States generates about half of its electricity from coal.