Lignite is the world's most harmful coal, yet it powers entire national grids.

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Often called brown coal, lignite is a soft, sedimentary rock formed from compressed peat. While it is the lowest-ranking coal due to its high moisture and low energy content, it remains a critical fuel source for electricity generation in countries like Germany and Greece, despite significant environmental and health concerns.

Lignite, or brown coal, is a geologically young fossil fuel formed from peat that has undergone limited burial and heating. Unlike harder coals, it retains high levels of moisture—sometimes up to 75 percent—which contributes to its low energy density and tendency to crumble. Because of these physical properties, lignite is inefficient to transport and is typically burned in power stations located directly adjacent to the mines where it is extracted.

The combustion of lignite is particularly problematic for human health and the environment. It releases more carbon dioxide and sulfur per unit of heat than higher-ranking coals, and its fly ash often contains toxic heavy metals and radioactive materials. Despite these drawbacks, it has historically been a pillar of energy independence. For instance, the German Democratic Republic once derived 70 percent of its energy from lignite, and it remains a significant, albeit contentious, part of the energy mix in nations like Germany and Greece today.

Beyond power generation, lignite has surprising niche applications. Its high volatile matter makes it a candidate for chemical feedstocks, and its humic acid content allows it to be used as a soil amendment in agriculture. Some forms, like the gem-like jet, have been used in jewelry since 10,000 BCE. However, as global energy policies shift toward renewables, the future of lignite is increasingly constrained; Germany and Greece have both set deadlines to phase out its use in electricity production.

Mining lignite is relatively inexpensive because deposits are often found in thick, shallow beds. However, this surface mining requires extensive land restoration efforts, such as those mandated by the 1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act in the United States. While some innovative projects, such as extracting hydrogen from brown coal in Australia, seek to repurpose this abundant resource, the industry remains under intense scrutiny due to its high emissions profile and the environmental damage associated with its extraction.

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