One of the problems with renewable energy sources, with the exception of hydroelectric power, is their variability. Wind energy and solar energy are examples of this. Power companies must have a base-production capacity in order to meet a certain demand for power at all times. They have few choices: large-scale hydroelectricity, nuclear energy, coal and natural gas. I don't know whether there are any others, but these are the energy sources that big power companies use to ensure a reliable supply of electricity.
In that context, I think that coal has a future, particularly if it is clean.