Government Support for Synthetic Pipeline Gas Uncertain and Needs Attention.
Abstract
Some private groups are seeking Government support for U.S plants based on a 'first-generation' process which has been used abroad for decades. Other groups have been considering a 'second-generation' of advanced processes which have been proven in pilot plants and are now ready for commercial demonstration. Still others look to a third generation of even more advanced processes which are just beginning pilot plant testing. The Government has already spent millions of dollars. GAO saw a need for an independent assessment of the results of this investment to help ensure that future funds would be spent wisely. The Department of Energy (DOE) provided most of the R&D support. Now, however, commercial-scale demonstrations including those for high Btu gasification will have to look to the newly created Synthetic Fuels Corporation for government financial assistance. GAO recommends that the Secretary of Energy do the following: establish a plan to guide future support of high-Btu coal gasification energy research and development; evaluate the importance of the high-Btu second-generation process as a method of using eastern coal, and the prospects for accelerating the processes as commercial scales; and report to the Synthetic Fuels Corporation's Board of Directors on the potential role of second-generation processes in the synthetic fuel program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 14, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA114658
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office