Is "Converting Coal to Synthetic Oil" The Alternative?

Question

Converting Coal to Synthetic Oil seems to be the most considerable thing to do now a days, considering the oil prices and previous practices by Germans, some parts of Africa, and few other countries as well, proven to work reducing the consumption of oil. If that massive conversion is allowed along with the construction of these conversion plants in order to do the convertion do so depending on congress, lobbyist, and politicians it will be great. With that been said, I want you to consider these two parameters: [1] For once the emission of green gases by the burning of coal affect tremendously Global Warming and the Environment or [2] Reduce considerably our consumption of foreign Oil or "Oil" itself for all that matters paying less at the pump [Will other type of cars be needed to consume this type of synthetic Oil or our regular cars will be able to do so like in the common unleaded gas type].

I LET YOU BE THE GURU ON THIS SUBJECT!!! THANKS☻

Answer 1

In the early '80's it would have been economical at around $60/barrel for oil.   Now it might be economical at $200/barrel for oil.   That is IF more money cannot be made selling the coal to Asian countries and we still have enough for ourselves.   Coalminers are a dieing race; not many people want to risk their lives deep underground anymore even for the wages they get.

Answer 2

the best part about these plants is that they will also if built right be able to use trash, sewage, Ag waste, old tires, as feed stock along with coal.

this could eliminate the need for landfills and the need to send sewage waste and waters where they could damage the environment

no more drugs in the rivers and ocean.

these plants can make diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, all without  oil and without using valuable farm land.

plus these plants can also make hydrogen when that technology for cars using hydrogen come on line

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fischer-Tro...

http://www.navysbir.com/n07_s/navst07-02...

http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energ...

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/features/0...

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID...

http://www.pollutionengineering.com/Arti...

Answer 3

I think it could be part of thr overall soultion, but not a magic bullet.

There are a number of things that can be done about gas prices. The problem is that there are political, environmental, and legal issues that would have to be overcome to make it happen.

First, we need to reduce dependence on imported oil. As a world wide commodity, changes in oil demand anywhere in the world will impact our prices here. We could reduce oil imports by increasing the use of ethanol. Currently something like 25% of the US corn crop goes to this. However, the downside is that this takes corn out of the stockpile for food (both human and animal feed), which is currently causing famine to break out around the world. We could expand domestic supply, but hat means drilling for oil off the Gulf coast and in a part of ANWAR, which has environmentalists up in arms.

Second, we could improve the distribution of fuel in the US. Currently, there are dozens of gas blends, all mandated by law. It is a tricky thing to supply just enough of each blend, as you cannot use a blend intended for, say, Colorado, in California. So if California goes in need, oil companies cannot shift inventory, they have to shut down refineries, make adjustments, and make more of the California blend. This is a wasteful and expensive process. Far better to have a single blend that all the states can agree on that would allow the fluidity needed in the market. But this is going to be difficult to impossible as the states want THEIR blend and will fight any kind of Federal mandate.

Third, I think we need to encourage those things which will get us away from oil consumption. Not much oil is used for electricity generation, but it can and should be replaced by more efficient, cleaner sources. But nuclear, coal, solar, wind, and hydroelectric all have their own problems as well and each industry will fight hard for their slice of the pie. Most oil is used for vehicle fuel. We need to move to more efficient vehicles and alternative fuel / hybrids, but they are often more expensive than gasoline powered vehicles and some alternate power sources do not have the power necessary for today’s driving. Research needs to be done in fuel cell technology, advanced batteries, and efficient (and safe) hydrogen generation.

I think too many people focus on one thing (conservation, more oil drilling, whatever) and think that alone will solve our problem. They are wrong. It will take a comprehensive approach were everyone will have to give a little for the greater good. Rep. Kennedy is going to have to sacrifice some of his coastal view in MA for wind turbines. Oil companies are going to be allowed to develop domestic sources. States are going to have to grant the feds the power to set uniform fuel standards. This is a lot to ask for, but this and more is what it will take. Anything less then an across the board rethinking of our energy policy will be like slapping a band-aid on a cut artery; just too little to be effective. And if it is ineffective, then expect the President of Iran to be correct when he says that oil is a strategic resource that needs to find its true (and in his mind MUCH higher) price. This is the guy that thinks $200 a barrel for oil is not unreasonable.

Answer 4

YES !!!

Answer 5

If current oil prices last then coal-to-liquid will be economically viable; the only reason it hasn't been done before now is because petroleum has been cheaper.  Any technology that delivers more energy than it uses will be viable at the right price.

Answer 6

Let me answer by asking you this . They use electic ,which uses somesort of other fuel to develope,coal or petrolium ,or coal or petrolim it self, to develope alternate fuel.which in it self causes green house affect, do you not think this alternate fuel rescue is anything but more hype,There raising the price of food such as corn and other food products, and come to find out the prices of this alternate fuel is still higher then fuel prises from just two or three years back, so the most there doing, is trying to find public approval, to get arround doing what they should have done years ago and resort to what there useing in space for fuel, Solar power.which is free .