The primary use of coal in the U.S. is for electricity generation, powering a significant portion of the nation's power plants.

Coal has long been a major fuel source for electricity generation in the United States. It is burned in power plants to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Although coal's share in U.S. power generation has declined in recent years due to the rise of natural gas and renewable energy sources, it still plays a critical role in providing affordable and reliable energy, particularly in certain regions. Coal's widespread use in electricity generation has helped meet the nation’s energy needs for decades, although environmental concerns over its carbon emissions have led to shifts toward cleaner energy alternatives.