Coal-fired power could remain part of the United States’ energy mix for longer than previously anticipated. Rapid growth in electricity demand is forcing utilities and policymakers to prioritize reliability over retirement schedules.

“Coal is, quite simply, America’s largest energy asset,” Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) CEO James Grech said at the company’s latest earnings call.

“More than that, America has more energy in its coal than any nation has in any one energy source,” he added.

Grech, who was recently appointed to chair the reconstituted National Coal Council, said it would be “irresponsible to not use this unique asset for the benefit of the American people”. From his viewpoint, coal offers strategic value because it is abundant, domestically available, and capable of supporting long-term energy security.

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