Along 287 south to Dallas many long trains carry coal south. Why? for What Purpose?

Question

In a 2 hour drive you might see 5 trains with 100 cars each full of coal. I have never seen coal used for any purpose, commercial or private, in Texas. It makes me very curious who and how it is being used.

Answer 1

They come from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming to the coal fueled power plants in San Antonio, Houston, Corpus Christi areas.  There is a big demand for the coal, that is why you see so many trains.

Answer 2

there several power plants in texas powered by burning coal.

Answer 3

You should also see trains with empty hopper cars headed north back to the Powder River Basin for more coal.