Clean energy from Alaskan coals. Final report, January 1974--December 1975

• Main Author: Not Available
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: 01 COAL; LIGNITE; AND PEAT; 29 ENERGY PLANNING; POLICY AND ECONOMY; ALASKA; COAL RESERVES; COAL; MARKET; TRANSPORT; SRC PROCESS; ECONOMICS; COAL LIQUEFACTION; COAL MINING; COST; FEASIBILITY STUDIES; FORECASTING; CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS; ENERGY SOURCES; FOSSIL FUELS; FUELS; LIQUEFACTION; MINING; NORTH AMERICA; PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION; RESERVES; RESOURCES; USA; Pacific; Beluga; Beluga*; Alaska
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/7362104; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/7362104; https://doi.org/10.2172/7362104

This study was undertaken to determine if one of the processes for conversion of coal to clean fuels--the solvent-refined coal (SRC) process--could be used as a means of economically producing clean energy from coal deposits located in remote areas. Alaskan coals, specifically the Beluga coal fields, were selected as a hypothetical example because this vast resource base has been virtually untapped. Preliminary cost estimates were prepared for coal mining, coal conversion, and product transportation to Pacific fuels markets. Based on the assumptions used and on the economics developed, the cost of a solvent-refined coal product will probably be significantly more expensive than alternate fuels (chiefly oil). For this primary reason, little penetration of Alaskan solvent-refined coal into Pacific fuels markets is forecast. A potential market may exist for Beluga coal. On the U.S. west coast, delivered prices for this low-sulfur fuel are estimated to fall within the competitive price range for alternative low-sulfur western coals.