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Commercial status of synfuels industry outside of USA

Conference · · Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States)
OSTI ID:5874939
While many foreign synthetic fuels programs are still at the demonstration stage, synfuels plant operations in some countries are of substantial size compared to recent US projects, and have a much more significant impact on their economies. Attention has focused on catalytic technologies for coal conversion and on the evolution of retorting schemes for oil shale that have a high mass throughput rate compared to earlier low capacity technologies. The author highlights current programs and the prospects for commercialization in those countries taking a lead in recent coal-based activities. He also examines oil shale, tar sands, and other synfuels development outside the US. He concludes that large-scale synfuels programs are not likely to develop anywhere in the world for at least 10 years unless market conditions improve, and that the period should be used for technology improvements. 9 figures.
Research Organization:
Bechtel Group, Inc., San Francisco, CA
OSTI ID:
5874939
Report Number(s):
CONF-850301-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States) Journal Volume: 12
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English