Synthetic fuels: an industry struggles to be born amidst the perils of techno-econo-politics

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Prof. Eng. (Wash., D.C.); (United States)

OSTI ID:7140236

Heyman, M

Despite active planning for a variety of large-scale synthetic fuels projects and some encouraging technical achievements, most proposals have become bogged down, and disheartened supporters are reluctant to proceed further until the economic, environmental, and political atmosphere clears up. The top-level study group urged a variety of federal financial incentives be provided to spur construction and operation of twelve to 15 synthetic fuel first-of-a-kind ''commercial demonstration'' projects. While hopefully contributing a daily 350,000 barrels of oil equivalent by the middle of the next decade, a prime justification for embarking on the commercialization program would be to provide specific environmental, economic, and technical information that is currently lacking. The task force specifically pushed for: loan guarantees of up to 75 percent of project cost for high-Btu pipeline gas from coal, loan guarantees for as much as 50 percent of project cost for shale oil, syncrude, and unregulated electric utility or industrial fuels along with price supports; construction grants of up to 50 percent of project costs for regulated utility and industrial fuels; and a maximum of 75 percent in loan guarantees for production of liquids and gases from biomass. Direct combustion of solid wastes for energy recovery was considered inappropriate for inclusion in the program. That particular industry was viewed by the task force as already on its way in response to urban needs. Industry and congressional responses to the incentives are reviewed. (MCW)

• OSTI ID: 7140236
• Journal Information: Prof. Eng. (Wash., D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Prof. Eng. (Wash., D.C.); (United States) Vol. 46:4; ISSN PENRB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ALCOHOLS
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BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
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GASIFICATION
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
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