Lignite, often referred to as brown coal, is a soft, brown, combustible, sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It has a carbon content around 25–35%, and is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its relatively low heat content.

What is the main use of lignite?

This coal is primarily used to generate electricity at seven coal-based power plants. However, there are other uses for lignite as well. The Great Plains Synfuels Plant, for instance, turns lignite into synthetic natural gas, fertilizers and several chemicals.

Where is lignite coal used?

Lignite has the lowest ranking in the coal classification system, and it is mostly used as fuel in the power sector. Lignite's colour ranges from brown to black (see Figure 2.7) and its heating value is less than 19.306 KJ/Kg. Due to the fact that lignite deposits are geologically young they may contain plant debris.