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@Nepiant @alyx
Well, no.
Many people do confuse collecting and transferring energy. When you mine coal, you get an amount of energy, that is stored and can be released. You release that energy by burning it, at an ineffective rate. (let's say 50% just for example).

So, when you gather wood, you also have an energy ready for collection. But, if you decide to use it to create charcoal, then transfering that energy will only lead to initial loss of 50% of energy only so you have the remaining amount in a form, that needs 2nd burning to get the energy out with another 50% loss.

This is why vast majority of alternative energy sources are a total scam. Because they steal energy we are already using only to return part of it back later.