Coal Nation is your go-to podcast for insightful discussions, expert interviews, and industry updates that highlight the people, companies, and innovations keeping the coal industry strong. Each episode delivers valuable perspectives on the latest developments, best practices, and key issues shaping American energy, manufacturing, and global trade. Whether you're a coal producer, energy provider, or industry advocate, Coal Nation is here to inform, inspire, and strengthen the community driving our nation's energy future.
Episode 25: Inside the Flame: Clean Coal Tech with Steve Shallenberger
Episode Overview
In this episode of Coal Nation, host Emily Arthun sits down with Steve Shallenberger, former Air Force Top Gun instructor and co-founder of Rivotto. They explore how Rivotto's innovative NX25 technology is transforming coal power generation from the inside out. Rather than using expensive bolt-on equipment, NX25 is a non-hazardous supplemental fuel that works inside the combustion flame to increase coal efficiency, reduce critical emissions like NOx and CO2, and minimize boiler wear. The two also discuss the vital importance of preserving America's baseload coal power to win the global AI race.
Key Takeaways:
Combustion Innovation: Rivotto's NX25 is a non-flammable, non-hazardous liquid technology injected directly into the coal feeder, acting inside the flame to make the boiler run more efficiently.
Emissions Reduction: Field tests show NX25 significantly reduces criteria pollutants, including a 28% drop in NOx, while also lowering CO2 concentrations and maintaining stable carbon monoxide levels.
Protecting Plant Infrastructure: Testing revealed that NX25 reduces slag buildup by approximately 47% and is less aggressive on carbon steel boiler tubes than standard flue gas, protecting the plant's metals.
Extending Plant Life: By improving margins and reducing emissions, this technology offers a lifeline to aging coal plants facing retirement pressures from regulations.
Powering the AI Race: Shallenberger emphasizes that maintaining and building coal facilities is a matter of national security, providing the massive, reliable energy infrastructure required for the United States to lead the global AI race.
Resources & Links:
Learn more about the American Coal Council → www.americancoalcouncil.org
Learn more about Rivotto→ https://www.rivotto.com/
Follow ACC on Social Media: LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter) (https://x.com/AmericanCoal)
Subscribe to American Coal Magazine → Magazine Link
5 Oct 2026
Episode 24: Coal Country, Football Country: West Virginia's Enduring Legacy
Episode Overview
In this episode of Coal Nation, host Emily Arthun sits down with Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association and ACC Board Member, right from Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia. Together, they dive into the deep-rooted connection between West Virginia football and the coal industry, highlighting the celebrated "Coal Rush" game tradition and the state's global impact as a leading coal exporter. Chris also shares insights into how modern technology, automation, and advanced energy research are reshaping the narrative around coal, creating exciting career paths for the next generation of energy leaders.
Key Takeaways
The "Coal Rush" Tradition: Discover how West Virginia University honors local mining families during the "Coal Rush" game, complete with stadium traditions like miners tapping a massive block of metallurgical coal before entering the field.
High-Tech Underground Mining: Modern coal operations have shifted away from traditional manual labor toward advanced computerization, remote systems, and high-tech equipment.
Attracting the Next Generation: As mining incorporates AI, digital monitoring, and video-game-style control interfaces, it is opening up new tech-focused career paths for younger workers.
Clean Energy & Upgraded Infrastructure: Federal grants and ongoing research at the National Energy Lab are helping fund upgrades to West Virginia coal generators and drive new plant development.
Deep Community & University Roots: From buildings named after industry alumni to legendary coaches leading the "Friends of Coal" initiative, the state's athletic and academic history is tightly intertwined with the coal industry.
Resources & Links:
Learn more about the American Coal Council → www.americancoalcouncil.org
Learn more about West Virginia Coal Association→ https://www.wvcoal.com/
Follow ACC on Social Media: LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter) (https://x.com/AmericanCoal)
Subscribe to American Coal Magazine → Magazine Link
21 Sept 2026
Episode 23: Advanced Longwall Tech & Thermal Coal with Eric Anderson
Episode Overview:
In this episode of Coal Nation, host Emily Arthun travels to the Tunnel Ridge Mine to speak with General Mine Manager Eric Anderson. Recorded atop a coal silo while loading barges on the Ohio River, the conversation explores the massive scale of Tunnel Ridge, which stretches across the West Virginia panhandle. Eric details their cutting-edge, remote-operated longwall mining technology, their industry-leading safety culture, and the vital role thermal coal plays in powering America's electrical grid. The episode also highlights Eric's recent trip to the White House and the industry's push to onshore equipment manufacturing back to the United States.
Key Takeaways:
Massive Operations: The Tunnel Ridge Mine features an extensive 13-mile conveyor belt system that transports thermal coal from the underground longwall face directly to barges on the Ohio River.
Advanced Longwall Tech: Tunnel Ridge utilizes state-of-the-art remote technology, allowing operators to safely control the shearer and monitor 1,000-ton capacity roof shields from a rail-mounted command center.
Safety First: Safety is the number one core value at Alliance Coal, with Tunnel Ridge currently leading the company's internal health and safety champion race for the year.
"All of the Above" Energy: Anderson advocates for a comprehensive energy policy that includes reliable baseloads like coal and natural gas alongside renewables to meet surging demand and maintain affordable electricity rates.
Onshoring Manufacturing: Alliance Coal is actively working to bring the manufacturing of major longwall mining components back to the United States to avoid overseas logistical challenges and tariffs.
Resources & Links:
Learn more about the American Coal Council → www.americancoalcouncil.org
Learn more about Alliance Resource Patrners. L.P.→ https://www.arlp.com/
Follow ACC on Social Media: LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter) (https://x.com/AmericanCoal)
Subscribe to American Coal Magazine → Magazine Link
Who has been a guest on Coal Nation
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Matt Mackowiak
Myles Recny
Travis Deti
Christian Palich
Dan Connell
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
52
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Coal Nation
Who hosts Coal Nation?
Emily Arthun and Steve Read host the show. Published by American Coal Council.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes bi-weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Coal Nation take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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