Alternatives for clean energy from coal

Even if U.S. consumption of coal were to double, it is estimated that recoverable reserves could last several hundred years. The disadvantages of coal are described: it is more difficult to handle than oil or gas; it contains varying amounts of ash, with the most critical deterrent at present being sulfur. The geographic location of U.S. coal deposits are shown and its ranks are described. Processes to obtain clean energy from coal are discussed, including: mining of low-sulfur coal; improved coal cleaning methods; high- and low-Btu gasification of coal; liquefaction of coal; stack gas scrubbing; advanced combustion methods; MHD applications; the production of methanol; and in-situ gasification of coal. For each application, the specific local conditions and economics will need to be examined to determine which system is favored. (MCW)