At the same time oil prices continue to rise and supplies are diminishing. Energy strategies are particularly critical for countries like the US, China and India with limited oil reserves and daunting demand.

Coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel that is relatively abundant with reserves estimated at about nine hundred and ninety billion metric tons. Also, coal is widely distributed and the infrastructure surrounding its use is well known. In this report, SRI Consulting (SRIC) examines the technology and economics of using coal to extend liquid fuel reserves.

For coal to be a valuable part of an energy strategy, processes that now produce about sixty-five percent waste need to be more efficient, cost-effective, and cleaner. Coal processes are the largest source of CO2 emissions, which limits adoption in times of increasing global regulation of greenhouse gases including CO2.

The new Technology Intelligence for Coal to Liquids (CTL) Strategies is the second Fuels of the Future report following Gas to Liquid Strategies published by SRIC in 2005. These special reports provide economic and technical information on oil alternatives, which is especially useful for energy program managers, scientists and policymakers involved in energy R and D.

The CTL report covers multiple process technologies to convert solid coal to liquid fuel that are in development and use around the world. Coal gasification, which is the initial and common step among CTL technologies, is covered in detail. Both direct and indirect methods for liquefaction are described with focus on indirect methods that use catalysts that are capable of producing higher quality products.

The utility of new or co-production methods for other coal derived products, such as methanol for gas spark engines and dimethyl ether for diesel engines, is also covered. A full chapter is devoted to a robust economic analysis of a plant for naphtha and diesel production using a generic integrated coal gasification and indirect liquefaction through the Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis reaction.

The analysis contrasts the use of the two top catalysts, iron and cobalt. The report includes population based integrated and combination processes that combine CTL with other energy sources such as biomass.

Author Ron Smith, Senior Consultant at SRIC, commented, "The Fischer-Tropsch reaction is a critical component of improving both GTL and CTL process efficiency. Catalysts are the principal reactant elements that can improve the process. Here we analyzed different reaction conditions, kinetics, and feed stocks involved in CTL conversion. We also included process descriptions of industry leaders such as Sasol, Rentech, ConocoPhillips, and ExxonMobil." Mr. Smith noted,

"Today, coal investments carry a high risk premium due to the uncertainty of how governments will handle CO2 emissions going forward. Including significant CO2 capture and sequestration requirements needed by the CTL process, will be expensive. Investors need to see that coal utilization is still cost effective in processes that comply with increasing emission regulations."

Russell Heinen, Vice President at SRIC, commented, "Energy strategies that can bolster liquid fuels are particularly critical for countries with limited oil reserves. The US alone depends on foreign sources for sixty percent of its energy needs."

This new report contains the latest information on CTL technologies, capital and production costs and regional environmental considerations. Mr. Heinen added, "In order to increase the adoption of CTL technologies, there must be a serious investment in pilot plants to demonstrate feasibility and good economic returns."

Related Links
SRI Consulting (SRIC)
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com

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