Coal gasification/pros and cons

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Pipeline Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6873644

Linden, H R

About 80% of total remaining U.S. fossil fuel resource is in the form of coal. World oil production is expected to peak not later than 2000; a precipitous rise in world oil prices can be expected. Currently SNG from coal at a cost of $3.50 to $4.50/million Btu, is equivalent to oil at $15 to $25/bbl. Low-Btu gas from coal for large industrial plants and for power generation at $2.50 to $4/million Btu competes with low-sulfur fuel oil at $2.50/million Btu. SNG and electricity can be produced from coal at comparable efficiencies; the advantage of gas lies in its distribution through existing gas pipelines. Deliveries to interstate natural gas pipelines will be progressively reduced, and distribution systems will operate below capacity unless new sources such as LNG or SNG from coal can be developed under some form of Federal assistance. Potential alternatives to coal gasification include electric heat pump development; conservation projects; and (long-range) solar energy developments. Environmental advantages of SNG vs. electricity from coal are discussed.

• OSTI ID: 6873644
• Journal Information: Pipeline Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Pipeline Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 204:2; ISSN PLGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010404* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Gasification
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COAL
COAL GASIFICATION
COMBUSTION
COST
ELECTRICITY
ENERGY SOURCES
EVALUATION
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
GASIFICATION
HIGH BTU GAS
OXIDATION
PRODUCTION
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES