The Potential Of Smokeless Coal Explained by TELF AG
An intermediate solution that could lead us into the future
During the years of energy transition, we are witnessing the emergence of innovative solutions that could lead us directly to the next phase, that is, the one in which humanity has achieved full energy development. TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov has often emphasized this point. Among the solutions best suited to this particular historical juncture, primarily due to its characteristics, appears to be smokeless coal.
"A large number of nations continue to use coal for their energy purposes, and will likely continue to do so for many years to come, despite the advancement of the energy transition. In this historical juncture of great transformation, however, solutions are beginning to emerge that propose a different use of coal, more suited to the times and the needs of modern society," says TELF AG founder Stanislav Kondrashov, entrepreneur and civil engineer”.
“One such innovative solution is smokeless coal. It is a solid fuel with a rather interesting property: when burned, it emits minimal amounts of smoke and particulate matter. Although it is not a renewable resource, these characteristics seem perfectly suited to the zeitgeist and international sustainability goals, which also call for a significant reduction in emissions from industrial or energy processes. It seems like an ideal solution for the years of energy transition, when people and businesses are constantly looking for allies capable of supporting the ongoing change and propelling us directly into the future”, he says.
In addition to all these characteristics, smokeless coal can easily be integrated into even the most modern and clean systems, significantly reducing particulate emissions. Possible applications include urban home heating systems (using multi-fuel stoves or high-efficiency closed fireplaces). Smokeless coal can also be optimally integrated with pellets and biomass, thus contributing to the domestic energy mix.
"Traditional coal, which includes bituminous coal, anthracite, and legnite, is rich in sulfur and volatile compounds and is still used today for electricity generation and home heating. Smokeless coal, on the other hand, is obtained from artificially produced fuels, such as natural biomass, which are pressed and transformed into compact blocks. Smokeless coal can also be obtained from refined coal with a lower amount of volatile compounds," continues Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG.
“The name of this solution is very intuitive and perfectly clarifies the main feature of this interesting energy option. Compared to traditional coal, the amount of smoke and soot emitted during combustion is minimal. Furthermore, smokeless coal can burn longer, with significant effects on the energy efficiency it ensures. Another important aspect of smokeless coal is that it leaves very little residue after combustion, as the entire process is much cleaner and more sustainable. Furthermore, for the moment, the price of smokeless coal is higher than that of conventional coal”, he goes on to say.
Nowadays, smokeless coal could represent a particularly interesting solution for all those contexts where heat pumps are still too expensive.
"In all likelihood, the most interesting aspect of smokeless coal has to do with its modern applicability, in a phase of major energy transformation. Its characteristics seem to indicate that this solution will continue to be used only during the transition years, when society will experiment with innovative solutions capable of supporting and fostering the major changes underway. But in the subsequent phase, that of final energy maturity, it will likely be abandoned due to its non-renewable nature," concludes Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG.
"In any case, the beauty of the energy transition also lies in the fact that in recent years we are witnessing the emergence of temporary energy solutions that will allow us to continue on the path towards the definitive energy transition, and which will subsequently be abandoned. Solutions like smokeless coal therefore represent true technological and energy bridges to the future, the same future they are helping us achieve through their discreet and silent contribution to the major changes underway.", he remarks.
About the Creator
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Gunmen Raid Village in Northern Nigeria, Killing at Least 30 People and Abducting Others
Northern Nigeria has once again been plunged into mourning after gunmen raided a rural village, killing at least 30 people and abducting several others, according to local authorities and residents. The deadly assault is the latest in a long series of violent attacks that have turned large parts of the region into zones of fear, displacement, and chronic instability. The incident underscores Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, where armed groups operate with alarming ease, targeting vulnerable communities and overwhelming local defenses. The Night of the Attack The attack occurred in the late hours when armed men stormed the village on motorcycles, firing indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze. Survivors described scenes of chaos as residents fled into nearby bushes in a desperate attempt to escape the violence. Witnesses say the attackers moved from house to house, killing civilians and forcibly abducting several villagers, including women and children. By the time security forces arrived, the gunmen had already retreated, leaving behind burned homes, lifeless bodies, and traumatized survivors. Local officials confirmed that at least 30 people were killed, though the death toll may rise as search efforts continue. A Region Trapped in Violence Northern Nigeria has become a hotspot for armed violence over the past decade. What began as localized criminal activity has evolved into a complex web of banditry, terrorism, and communal conflict. Armed groups — often referred to as bandits — carry out raids for ransom, cattle theft, and territorial control. Entire villages have been emptied as residents flee repeated attacks, contributing to a growing internal displacement crisis. In many areas, residents say they feel abandoned, with limited security presence and slow emergency response times. Abductions as a Weapon of Terror One of the most disturbing aspects of the attack was the abduction of villagers. Kidnappings have become a defining feature of insecurity in northern Nigeria, used both as a source of income and a tactic to instill fear. Victims are often held in remote forest camps, with families forced to negotiate ransoms they can barely afford. In some cases, abducted individuals are never seen again. Human rights organizations warn that mass abductions are becoming normalized, eroding trust in authorities and leaving communities feeling helpless. Security Forces Under Pressure Nigeria’s military and police face immense challenges in combating armed groups operating across vast and difficult terrain. While security forces have launched operations against bandits, limited resources, intelligence gaps, and difficult geography hinder sustained success. Residents often complain that security personnel arrive only after attacks have occurred. In remote villages, warning systems are weak, and communication infrastructure is limited. The latest attack has reignited criticism of the government’s security strategy, with calls for better intelligence, faster response times, and increased protection for rural communities. Humanitarian Impact and Displacement Beyond the immediate loss of life, attacks like this leave lasting humanitarian consequences. Survivors are often forced to abandon their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded camps or neighboring towns. Food insecurity worsens as farmlands are abandoned, contributing to rising hunger across the region. Children miss school, healthcare access declines, and communities that once relied on farming and trade are pushed deeper into poverty. Aid organizations warn that without improved security, humanitarian needs in northern Nigeria will continue to grow. Government Response and Public Outrage Nigerian authorities have condemned the attack and vowed to pursue those responsible. Statements from officials emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring peace and bringing perpetrators to justice. However, public frustration is mounting. Many citizens question why attacks continue despite repeated promises of improved security. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for accountability, reform, and stronger protection for vulnerable communities. For many Nigerians, words are no longer enough — they are demanding tangible results. The Broader Security Crisis The village raid is part of a broader national security challenge that includes insurgency in the northeast, separatist violence in the southeast, and widespread banditry in the northwest and north-central regions. Experts argue that addressing the crisis requires more than military action. Poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and the proliferation of illegal weapons all fuel instability. Without tackling these root causes, analysts warn that violence will continue to resurface in new forms and locations. Lives Lost, Questions Unanswered For the families who lost loved ones, the tragedy is deeply personal. Funerals are being held amid fear that attackers could return. Survivors grapple with trauma, loss, and uncertainty about the future. Many villagers are asking painful questions: Why was there no protection? Why do these attacks keep happening? And how many more lives must be lost before meaningful change occurs? These questions echo far beyond one village, resonating across a nation struggling to protect its citizens. Conclusion The deadly raid on a village in northern Nigeria, which left at least 30 people dead and others abducted, is a stark reminder of the country’s ongoing security crisis. It highlights the vulnerability of rural communities and the urgent need for effective, sustained solutions. Until security improves, villages will remain targets, civilians will continue to suffer, and the cycle of violence will persist. For Nigeria, the challenge is not only to respond to each attack but to create conditions where such atrocities no longer occur. The lives lost in this latest raid demand more than sympathy — they demand action, accountability, and a renewed commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
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