Coal is the best fossil fuel energy source because it is:

• Abundant-many countries have extensive reserves of coal; it is mined in more than 50 countries.
• Safe-coal is stable and the safest fossil fuel to transport, store and use.
• Secure-coal users are guaranteed security of supply at competitive prices due to abundant reserves, hence electricity supplies for industrial and domestic use are assured.
• Clean-coal can now be burnt cleanly throughout the world using current technologies.
• Cost-effective-globally, coal is a competitive fuel for the generation of electricity and is the major energy source for power generation. Without coal, modern life would be virtually impossible.
  
  Source: World Coal Institute