The energy from coal comes from the sun which is created though photosynthesis (Photosynthesis is a process when plants absorb the sun's heat in order to transfer carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose). Coal is used as a energy source for heat and electricity. Coal gives us energy by first getting heated up and then the heat that comes from the coal turns water into steam. The steam creates heat and electricity after it gets powered through generators. Afterwards it is sent through pipes to where the heat or electricity is suppose to go. Then it cools off and the steam turns back to water then the cycle starts again.