Up to 20% more coal is needed to "create" low emissions coal, also known as "clean coal". That coal will not magically appear, it needs to be mined. Mining coal is not only generally environmentally destructive process, it is a carbon emissions intensive exercise in itself.

The statement is TRUE. "Clean coal" technology (carbon capture and storage) requires additional energy to operate, meaning more coal must be burned to generate the same amount of electricity. Estimates suggest 15-25% more coal is needed. This creates a paradox - you need more mining (which itself is carbon-intensive) to achieve lower emissions at the plant.