Producing energy invariably leads to some degree of environmental impact. All sources of energy – fossil fuels, nuclear, renewables – have environmental impacts.

The energy sector, like all industrial processes, is water intensive. Water as a resource is growing more scarce, so it is important that we use water resources efficiently and conserve supplies.

Coal mining requires large areas of land to be temporarily disturbed. Steps are taken in modern mining operations to minimise impacts on all aspects of the environment.