Large-scale,coal-to-chemicals production nears reality

摘要

Ever-increasing concern about over-dependence on expensive imported crude oil and natural gas,and a plentiful supply of low-rank and waste coal,are combining to fuel rapid construction of coal-gasification plants in China.The same concerns and market conditions,combined with the 4+/gal cost of gasoline,are also drawing the attention of major US coal producers seeking alternative domestic revenue streams amid growing environmental concerns.They are looking to China as a proving ground for large-scale coal gasification,to see whether that nation can relatively inexpensively and cleanly achieve energy independence amid that nation s breakneck economic growth and industrialization.