Re:coal (Score 1)

I am not sure of your definition of on-demand power but generally coal-fired turbines are not used in such a manner. I worked for the local power company through college as an intern at several different locations(coal, gas, oil, and coal gasification plants), and for peaking (on-demand) purposes oil or natural gas is generally used. The gas and oil fired turbines can be at full load in under 1 hour while it takes many hours to start a coal fired unit. I realize that spinning reserve is utuilized on coal fire units, but that is an additional unit running that doesn't need to be. As for Nuclear power I am for it (like I am for frilly toothpicks)