Uncertainties in Industrial Coal-Based Energy and Feedstock Utilization Patterns. Final Report

摘要

The use of coal in United States industry has not reached the levels anticipated in many of the projections of the past ten years. This report presents an analysis of factors affecting the use of coal in the three highly energy intensive US industries of chemical manufacturing, oil refining, and steel production. The analysis focuses on the outlook for expanded use of coal in each of these three industries. The outlook for coal use in the chemical, oil refining, and steel industries varies dramatically for each industry. Currently in the United States, about 55% of the required energy in the steel industry is met with coal, which is the traditional energy source for that industry. Of the three industries addressed in this report the steel industry uses far more coal than oil refining and chemicals combined. About 11% of energy required in the chemicals industry (not feedstocks) is met by coal, whereas only a fraction of a percent of refining energy requirements are met by coal. Direct coal consumption for these industries is illustrated for 1983. Not included is the additional coal which is used in the generation of purchased electricity. A complex variety of factors will influence future coal use in these three highly energy intensive industries. Moreover, the effects will likely differ significantly for each industry. 19 references, 7 figures, 25 tables. (ERA citation 10:023920)