Coal power plants generate electricity by burning coal to boil water, which turns to steam and spins a generator. The document discusses how Hanson, Alverez, and Sons Coal Company uses coal to produce electricity, with Mason and A.J. as experts in coal science and extraction. Coal is a fossil fuel formed from ancient plants and dinosaurs that provides advantages like inexpensive, widespread electricity generation but also produces greenhouse gases when burned. Alternatives like wind and geothermal have disadvantages such as intermittent sources and high land costs or risk of depleted resources.