Biotechnological Conversion of Lignite to Liquid and Gaseous Products for the Energy and Chemical Sectors

摘要

Today's knowledge of biotechnological conversion of coals into liquid and gaseous products is exclusively based on microbiological basic research investigations. Since in view of reasonably priced biochemical processes an interesting potential for biolignite products is conceivable in the energy and chemical/refinery sectors, Rheinbraun AG, one of the worldwide major lignite producers, launches in 1995 a research project for biotechnological lignite upgrading which will be financially supported by the Minister for Economics, medium-sized Enterprises and Technology of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The target is to explore the possibilities of biotechnological production of liquid and/or gaseous lignite-based products on an industrial scale. The worldwide leading companies and/or institutes in this field participate in this project. This article describes the research activities planned for the next few years. These activities are based on or justified by considerations on a technical concept of electricity generation from biotechnologically solubilized lignite. According to these considerations, biotechnologically solubilized lignite can be used for electricity generation on specific, but not unrealistic assumptions, and at a price that can compete with today's available, most favourable processes.