However, the relatively low economic value due to the high moisture content and low calorific value, and other undesirable properties of lignite coals limited their use mainly to power generation at, or, close to, the mining site, it said.

“Another important issue regarding the use of lignite is its environmental impact,” it said.

“A range of advanced combustion technologies has been developed to improve the efficiency of lignite-fired power generation. With modern technologies it is now possible to produce electricity economically from lignite while addressing environmental concerns.”

A report by the IEA Clean Coal Centre reviews the advanced technologies used in modern lignite-fired power plants with a focus on pulverised lignite combustion technologies.

Coal combustion processes are also reviewed in brief and they are compared with pulverised lignite combustion technologies.

The IEA Clean Coal Centre is a provider of information on the clean and efficient use of coal worldwide, particularly clean coal technologies without political or commercial bias.

Its products include in-depth topical reports, literature reviews and online databases.

It also provides advice, facilitates R&D networks and organises workshops and conferences and is funded by member countries and industrial sponsors.