TITLE: Economics and Siting of Fischer-Tropsch Coal Liquefaction.

AUTHOR: J. P. Henry;   J. P. Ferreira;   J. Benefiel;   M. Fassett.

INST.  AUTHOR: Booz-Allen and Hamilton, Inc., Bethesda, MD.

SPONSOR: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.

LANGUAGE: English

PUB.  TYPE: Technical Report

PUB.  COUNTRY: United States

SOURCE: Department of Energy [DE],  Jul 79,  90p.

ABSTRACT:

The capital intensity and low conversion efficiency of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis makes it noncompetitive with conventional petroleum in the midterm (e.g., 5 to 10 years) under normal economic conditions. However, if crude oil prices rise to higher levels (e.g., $25 to $30/bbl), coal liquefaction processes may prove to be economical. It appears that several other processes under development may become economically attractive before Fischer-Tropsch, although Fischer-Tropsch is the only proven commercially feasible venture at present. The above statement is subject, however, to the successful demonstration and commercialization of these alternative processes. Fischer-Tropsch, as a commercially proven process, may be called upon as a backup should petroleum shortages ensue, world oil prices continue to increase dramatically, and alternate coal liquefaction processes fail to fully develop. (ERA citation 05:019961)

CONTRACT  NUMBER: ET-78-C-01-2625-009