The paper presents the results of the study by the World Energy Council done as an initiative and with active participation of the Polish Committee of the World Energy Council. The study discusses the role and significance of coal in development of nations and the world. It points out the possibilities and constraints of the energy development, with a conclusion that coal can and should be a driving force of the development. Coal is and will be available and accessible. The proper deployment and development of technologies will ensure acceptability of coal as a clean fuel with a huge input to sustainable world development.