Research and exploration of coal in Greece: a view to the futureResearch and exploration of coal in Greece: a view to the future Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2015-12-051997enThe future of coal, the only energy resource encountered in Greece's mineral reserves in large quantities, is examined with respect to future needs in electricity. Assuming an annual increment of 3% in electricity demands over the next 30 years, it is calculated that 83,320 GWh will be required by the year 2024. If coal is to satisfy roughly 70% of these needs, then a total of 2384 million tons must be mined. For coal to continue to play a role in safeguarding Greece's energy independence after the year 2024, further exploration should continue unimpeded, new and improved mining methods must be applied, beneficiation methods must be implemented immediately in order to use deposits where calorific values are marginal owing to high ash content, and underground mining must be initiated. Finally, co-processing of lignites encountered in small deposits, with orhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Energy Sources194335-347 Foskolos Antonis Φωσκολος Αντωνης T. Kotis Koukouzas, C. N Taylor & Francis Greece coal exploration energy