Underground coal gasification appears to be one of the most attractive routes for synfuels from coal because the process can produce methanol and substitute natural gas at prices competitive with existing energy sources. The technical feasibility of underground coal gasification has been well established by small scale field tests. Cost estimates based on the resultant data are favorable. The environmental effects associated with the technology appear to be acceptable. Successful commercialization of the process would probably triple the proven reserves of U.S. coal, which would be sufficient to last for hundreds of years.
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