Schwartz-Pumpe

Millions of people still rely on coal to produce the energy they need.  But today's estimates show that our planet has only 100 years of known coal reserves left.  So, the Swedish company that controls Germany's immense "Schwartze Pumpe" is determined to make the best use of this "interim energy source" and see that the consumption is as efficient and as environmentally-friendly as possible. Set near the Polish/Czech border in the former East Germany, this monster power plant has boilers over 160 meters high. In the shadow of these behemoths, a new plant is well under construction. It is said to be the first of its kind to generate nearly clean power from coal. This technology tour is eye-opening.