Low-rank coal: its present and future role in the United States
Resources of low-rank coals in the United States are comparable in quantity to available resources of bituminous coals but are found primarily in the western part of the country. With the exception of the Gulf region lignites, these coals are generally remote from major energy-consuming areas. In most cases, the relatively thick seams of low-rank coal found close to the surface can be strip-mined at a fraction of the cost required to produce US bituminous coals. The importance of low-rank coal in the US energy system increased dramatically in the 1970s. This increase resulted from a combination of factors, including the escalating prices of oil and natural gas, the possibility of using low-rank coal to comply with clean-air regulations in some regions, the development of improved combustion technology, and the increased wheeling of power from region to region. Low-rank coals are noted for causing ash-related problems during combustion. However, the high alkali and low sulfur contents of many lowrank coals make them attractive for reducing sulfur emissions without much addition of limestone or lime. Some low-rank coals are especially attractive for gasification and liquefaction and are likely to dominate the early development of synthetic fuels plants and coal gasification/combined-cycle utility power plants. With all these factors considered, the role of low-rank coals in the United States is likely to continue growing as process improvements are made.
- Research Organization:
- US Department of Energy, Grand Forks University Station, Grand Forks, North Dakota
- OSTI ID:
- 6116396
- Journal Information:
- Annu. Rev. Energy; (United States), Vol. 9
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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