"The statement "Coal is the most common food of a steam plant" metaphorically suggests that coal is the primary fuel used in steam plants for generating power. Steam plants, also known as coal-fired power plants, rely on the combustion of coal to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators that produce electricity. To clarify, coal is indeed the most widely used fuel in many steam plants around the world due to its abundance, relatively low cost, and established infrastructure for extraction and transportation. However, it's important to note that coal's use comes with significant environmental and health concerns, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the release of harmful substances such as mercury and sulfur dioxide. In summary, coal serves as the primary energy source in many steam plants, but there is a growing push towards cleaner and more sustainable alternatives like natural gas, renewables (solar, wind, hydro), and nuclear energy to reduce the environmental impact and align with global sustainability goals."