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

Introduction to underground coal gasification

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7182134

Underground coal gasification (UCG) offers a relatively low cost, environmentally sound method to produce clean fuels from coal. Underground coal gasification can provide pipeline quality gas and premium gasoline from deep, unusable coal. Underground coal gasification is similar to conventional coal gasification except that the coal is not mined - gasification takes place underground. Steam and oxygen are injected underground, reacting the coal to produce a medium heating value gas which can be converted into pipeline quality gas and premium gasoline in surface facilities. Projected costs are comparable to or lower than that of conventional coal gasification systems. There are environmental advantages. There is a UCG resource in the US which would last for hundreds of years. If the R and D is successful, commercial production could begin in ten years or less.

Research Organization:
California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore National Lab.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
7182134
Report Number(s):
UCID-18801
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English