World coal study reports touts expanded use of coal

Journal Article · Mon May 19 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · Chem. Eng. News; (United States)

OSTI ID:6369677

Wilson, C

According to the World Coal Study, which was coordinated by C.L. Wikson of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the world must rely on coal to assure even moderate economic growth in the next 20 yr. At present, coal sells for about $35/metric ton, and even with transportation and environmental compliance costs factored in, its $60/metric ton cost provides the energy equivalent of crude oil costing $165/bbl. For a 3%/yr avg growth rate, world coal production will have to increase threefold; world trade in steam coal will have to grow 10 to 15 times over 1979 levels; the world will produce and burn about 7 billion metric tons/yr of coal by 2000, up from 2.5 billion metric tons/yr in 1980; and US coal production must increase 4 to 4.5%/yr during the next 20 yr. This would mean an increase in US coal production from 560 million metric tons (23% of the world total and 19% of total US energy demand) in 1977 to 1883 million tons (28% of the world total and 38% of total US energy demand) in 2000. Possible environmental barriers to increased coal use, i.e., the greenhouse effect and acid rain, are discussed.

• Research Organization: Mass. Inst. Technol., Cambridge, MA
• OSTI ID: 6369677
• Journal Information: Chem. Eng. News; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. News; (United States) Vol. 58:20; ISSN CENEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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