An idea of a technol. potential was defined as a set of parameters and indicators describing the possibility of using coal in sp. technl. The values of technological potential were evaluated for six Polish hard coals and then suitability of the coals for combustion and gasification was assessed. The new approach, based on the idea of technoL potential, was used for classification of coals. The algorithm may be modified with addnl. parameters and adjusted to another technols. of coal utilization.