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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Synfuels: the problems and the promise

Book ·
OSTI ID:6456717
The development of alternative energy sources, particularly coal liquids, can be the solution to future energy shortages and a stable economy, but it is important to proceed cautiously to minimize environmental and socio-economic disruptions. An examination of the major alternatives to oil (nuclear, solar, coal, and biochemical conversion) compares the resource, the technology, and the economics of each. The signs of irreversibility of resource depletion demand the development of new technologies and a reassessment of institutions that constrain the effort. Economics suggests that smaller-scale synfuel plants to reduce both costs and risks could move the country from the paper-study phase to a vigorous pursuit of innovation and implementation. 144 references. (DCK)
OSTI ID:
6456717
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English