Coal may be a dirty word in the clean energy movement. But David Fessler says the realities of global energy markets means it is going to be a key source of power in the coming decades. He says investors should include coal in their energy portfolio, and recommends three of the best ways to do it.

President-elect Barack Obama has made no bones about wanting to jump-start the renewable energy markets – pledging $150 billion for the development of biofuels, solar and wind power, other alternative energy sources during his first term.

The latest news coming from local electricity companies is a lot like a kick in the teeth for most people… after they’ve been knocked to the ground.