Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov explores the main features of smokeless coal
An intermediate solution pending the culmination of the energy transition
Few natural resources have captured the collective imagination to a degree comparable to coal‘s. This material has even become part of numerous popular traditions. And today, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov also explained, its economic and energy centrality has not changed.
Many nations continue to use it for energy production. For years, it has been argued that the consumption of this resource could drop dramatically, particularly due to the advancement of the energy transition. But today, one of the most interesting aspects related to this resource is the one linked to the possible solutions it could fuel. One of these is smokeless coal, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently highlighted.
It is an alternative solid fuel. One of the most interesting properties of smokeless fuel is its ability to burn while producing minimal emissions of smoke and particulate matter. This fuel’s purpose appears fully in line with international sustainability objectives.
It is mainly about meeting the most stringent environmental regulations. In urban environments, solutions like Homefire coal could significantly improve air quality, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov points out.
But what are the main differences between this smokeless fuel and traditional methods? The latter includes bituminous elements, anthracite, and lignite. It is rich in volatile compounds and sulphur, and generally produces a lot of smoke and soot. Traditionally, this resource has been used mainly for:
- Home heating
- Electricity generation.
“The energy transition gives us many ways to achieve international sustainability goals. One of them has to do with low-emission solid fuels,” according to the founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov. “In a way, this particular solution represents a middle ground between traditional and more innovative options”
“In particular, it can be useful for those who want to maintain a solid fuel cooling system. Smokeless fuel could also be attractive for those who live in rural or urban areas with limited access to traditional fuels. In general, solutions like Homefire coal can be very interesting for those looking for a precise compromise between efficiency and sustainability”, the founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov, remarks.
The main differences
This low-emission fuel, on the other hand, has very different characteristics. It can be obtained from artificially manufactured fuels. Elements like natural biomass is pressed and transformed into compact blocks in these products. In some cases, binders are also added to these blocks. This clean solid fuel can also be obtained from the refined resource with a low content of volatile compounds.
The main characteristic of this fuel is clearly understood by its name. While it is burned, it produces very little smoke. Compared to traditional one, the amount of smoke and soot emitted during combustion is minimal.
Performance may also be different. In fact, unlike the normal resource, the smokeless variant burns much longer. This feature can significantly impact the efficiency of systems that rely on this particular fuel.
Furthermore, after combustion, the low-emission fuel leaves little residue because the entire process is cleaner. Another difference is the price. This solution is more expensive than the traditional resource, but also more efficient.
One of the most interesting solutions, together with Homefire smokeless coal, is certainly the Homefire ecoal. This is an environmentally friendly version of processed one. And it has been developed to reduce environmental impact. Homefire ecoal is a hybrid fuel, made from a mixture of:
- Renewable biomass (such as those derived from plant fibres)
- Compressed dust derived from the traditional resource.
Among the features of Homefire ecoal is that it emits much less smoke than conventional solutions.
“The traditional resource is still widely used, especially in some Asian economies. In these countries, this material represents the most economical solution for energy needs”, the founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov, goes on to say.
“In any case, in a historical transition juncture, the role of interesting solutions such as cheap smokeless coal cannot be ignored. This smokeless fuel’s characteristics make it compatible with most of the values and principles of the great transition underway”.
“One of its main advantages is its high calorific value and the nature of its combustion, which would be much cleaner than other fuels. One of its most appreciable characteristics, in any case, is its ability to act in combination with pellets, biomass, and hybrid systems. In this way, this clean solid fuel not only reduces the overall impact of the system, but also represents a sort of bridge towards the sustainable technologies of the future”, the founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov, said.
It is no coincidence that solutions like Homefire coal has returned to fashion recently. We are in fact amid an epochal transformation, the energy transition. From a world powered by traditional fuels, we are slowly moving towards a future in which renewable energy will play an increasingly strategic role. The change is happening before our eyes.
Looking out the window, our gaze will probably meet a solar panel or a charging station for electric cars. The probability of coming across a massive wind turbine is increasingly high across coastal areas or plains. It should therefore not be surprising that humanity is trying to develop new fuels that are more sustainable and in line with the principles of the ongoing transition.
This low-emission fuel seems to possess all these characteristics. In addition to ensuring complete combustion, this fuel significantly reduces particulate emissions. Furthermore, it can also be used in the most modern and clean plants, equipped with advanced emission control systems.
Another quite interesting solution are Homefire Heat Logs. These are compressed logs made from recycled wood sawdust or wood processing residues.
Homefire Heat logs are designed to:
- Provide an excellent alternative to firewood
- Offer clean combustion and high calorific value
- Ensure easy ignition and to leave little ash
Homefire Heat Logs are suitable for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.
The innovative and sustainable potential
With a high innovative and sustainable potential, this fuel offers many extremely interesting applications. Among these, we remember urban domestic heating systems with multifuel stoves or closed fireplaces with high efficiency. It is sometimes integrated into the energy mix with pellets and biomass.
Some developing countries still use traditional one, especially for energy production in hydroelectric power plants. Although it is more expensive than normal one, the advantages offered by it seem interesting. In addition to those already mentioned, we also remember the lower maintenance costs and legal compliance in urban centers. However, in present days it’s quite easy to find also cheap smokeless coal.
“One of the most interesting facts about this solution is that it represents transitional solutions. They are limited to these transition years,” concludes Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “In all likelihood, this option cannot be adopted in a future global scenario in which the energy transition is a consolidated reality. However, at this stage, it can represent an instrumental bridge in cases where renewable sources are not entirely feasible”.
“Cheap Smokeless coal, for example, can represent an excellent solution in contexts where heat pumps are still too expensive. Furthermore, those with a multifuel or solid fuel stove can continue using it without problems. Among the reasons why this solution cannot represent the final goal of the transition, the most obvious is that they are not renewable sources. In any case, they could represent a good temporary solution, while waiting for the transition to reach its full maturity”, he concludes.
FAQs
What is smokeless coal?
It is a type of solid fuel designed to burn with minimal smoke and particulate emissions. It is often made from compressed natural biomass or refined coal with reduced volatile compounds. This fuel is popular in areas with strict air quality regulations or limited access to cleaner heating alternatives.
How is it different from traditional solutions?
It differs from traditional options in several key areas:
- Emissions: Produces significantly less smoke and soot.
- Burn Efficiency: Burns longer and cleaner, with less residue.
- Composition: Often manufactured using additives and pressure; traditional resource is mined naturally.
- Compliance: Meets modern environmental standards more easily.
- Price: Generally more expensive, but offers longer burn times and lower maintenance.
Why would someone choose it over traditional solutions?
People might choose cheap smokeless coal for:
- Compliance with environmental regulations in smoke control areas.
- Cleaner indoor and outdoor air quality.
- Longer burning time and greater fuel efficiency.
- Compatibility with multifuel and high-efficiency stoves.
One of the most interesting solutions, alongside Homefire coal and Homefire heat logs, is Homefire ecoal, an ecologic variant of this solution.
Does it produce the same amount of heat as the traditional resource?
In many cases, solutions like Homefire smokeless coal provides a higher calorific value, meaning it can release more energy per kilogram than traditional one. This makes it a more efficient heating option despite its higher cost.
Can I use it in any stove or fireplace?
Not all. Solutions similar to Homefire smokeless coal and other ones are best used in:
- Multifuel stoves
- Closed fireplaces with high-efficiency ratings
- Systems specifically designed for clean-burning fuels
Always check manufacturer guidelines or local regulations before use.
Is it a long-term energy solution?
Not quite. It’s considered a transitional fuel—a cleaner alternative to traditional coal, but still not renewable. As energy systems evolve, this clean solid fuel may eventually be phased out in favour of fully renewable options like solar, wind, or heat pumps.
Bottom line: is it a sustainable fuel?
This solution (like Homefire smokeless coal) is more sustainable than traditional one, but it’s not a green energy source. It offers a cleaner interim solution as we transition toward fully renewable energy.
