Abstract |
The report was prepared to assist EPA's Office of Environmental Engineering and Technology in the collection and verification of information on the status of demonstration and commercial-scale plants for the production of coal-based synthetic fuels through gasification and liquefaction. Data on the scope of this emerging industry, funding sources, products, and costs were obtained by reviewing current literature and contacting the primary vendors or licensors of the processes found. These data are as reported; no modifications have been attempted. Of the 88 synthetic fuel projects identified, 66 represent gasification processes (29 for the production of low-Btu gas and 37 for the production of high-Btu gas) and 22 represent liquefaction processes. One tabulation shows the breakdown of these projects by process and status as of mid-August 1980. Maps show their locations throughout the U.S. Further tabulations show sponsors, production capacity, estimated production costs, scale, type of coal involved, feed rate of coal, capital cost, and operating and maintenance costs. The report also contains a brief commentary on each identified project. |