How low can you go?

摘要

Around half of the world's recoverable coal resources can be classified as lower quality coals: lignite and sub-bituminous. These low calorific value (CV) coals have largely been limited, geographically speaking, to more "upstream" use. International trade has long been dominated by so-called black coals (bituminous and anthracite), as these higher-rank coals tend to be preferable in terms of energy value per transported tonne, volatiles, moisture and ash content, as well as overall logistical and processing costs. However, as global demand continues to expand, fuelling competition for whatever coals are available, customers - particularly in the strongly developing import markets in southern and eastern Asia - have demonstrated increasing attention to the use of imported low CV coals for power generation.