Coal to Liquids, Natural Gas to Liquids

Turning coal into liquid gasoline and diesel transport fuel was developed in the 1920s, the process is generally referred to as the indirect coal-to-liquids (CTL) gasification, formally known as the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis process after the scientists who invented it. In the 1930s Germany recognized their vulnerability to oil cutoffs in wartime and put the process into mass production -- Germany has plenty of coal reserves.

But since that time, it's been all oil, all the time. At least while oil was cheap.

In a few weeks China will start production on their first large coal to liquids demonstration plant, which will be followed up by full scale production models to be built in the next few years.

Coal to liquids is proven technology and can deliver transport fuels at under $40 a barrel equivalent oil prices.

The Republicans are going to try again, After the no drill Democrats have repeatedly blocked efforts to drill and build new refineries ... Notice the push for coal to liquids.

Senators Introduce Bill to Increase Domestic Oil and Natural Gas Production; Coal-Derived Fuel Mandate

US Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the American Energy Production Act of 2008 (S.2958) to increase domestic production of oil and natural gas and to fund the development of oil shale and coal-to-liquids technology. Eighteen other senators co-sponsored. Included in the bill is language for a coal-derived fuels mandate.

The bill would open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) as well as the Atlantic and Pacific regions of the Outer Continental Shelf for exploration and production; and lift the one-year moratorium on developing oil shale in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

I saw a short presser with Sen Dominici talking about his legislation, he stated Sen Reid said no drilling this year. So who is blocking the energy supply -- Same Democrat MArxists who have been doing it for 30 years.

Another use for natural gas, using similar processes

In Qatar, they are near completion of South Africa's Sasol joint venture plant in Qatar to produce gas to liquids oils production facility. This plant takes natural gas and turns it into oil for machinery, autos and other uses. Sasol is the world's biggest maker of motor oil from coal.

Here is your question of the day, why is it when the USA has about 25% of the world's coal supply we don't do the same? Coal to liquid fuel is mature technology, and doesn't require you to burn your food.

More here about Qatar and their gasification plant. Search google for China's similar ventures.

How nuclear power can help relieve future supply constraints with transport fuel

Currently, the generally favored fuel for power plants is natural gas, a clean but limited supply fuel. Natural gas also has a place as transport fuel. Natural gas can be used directly in automobile and trucks or used as feed stock for a liquefaction process which can produce gasoline and diesel. With transport fuel in short supply, using natural gas for fixed plant electricity makes little sense, when nuclear power serves that role much cheaper. Nuclear power makes even more economic sense when you do as the French do, reprocess the spent fuel. By statue, the US cannot do this. Another Democrat Marxist surprise for the unwary.