The correct answer is: Coal.
Coal is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of ancient plants that have been buried and subjected to intense heat and pressure over millions of years. It is a solid, black or brown, combustible material that is used as a fuel for generating electricity, heating homes and businesses, and manufacturing steel.
India is the world’s second-largest producer of coal, after China. Tamil Nadu is one of the leading coal-producing states in India, accounting for about 10% of the country’s total coal production. The state’s coal reserves are estimated to be about 10 billion tonnes.
Coal is a non-renewable resource, which means that it cannot be replaced once it is used up. Burning coal releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. However, coal is still a major source of energy in India, and it is likely to remain so for many years to come.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Lignite is a type of coal that is lower in quality than bituminous coal or anthracite coal. It is used mainly for generating electricity.
- Uranium is a radioactive metal that is used to produce nuclear energy.
- Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is composed mostly of methane. It is used mainly for heating homes and businesses, and generating electricity.