Coal liquefaction is the process of producing liquid fuels from coal. Coal liquifaction is a means of addressing the many energy applications that are suited for consuming liquids. The technology entails heating coal, often with various reagents such as hydrogen, which produces a liquid. The technologies can be controversial since they often generate large volumes of waste. The economic attractiveness of coal liquifaction is coupled to the price of petroleum. Related, competing technologies include coal gasification.
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Famous quotes containing the word coal:
“Coal is a portable climate. It carries the heat of the tropics to Labrador and the polar circle; and it is the means of transporting itself whithersoever it is wanted. Watt and Stephenson whispered in the ear of mankind their secret, that a half-ounce of coal will draw two tons a mile, and coal carries coal, by rail and by boat, to make Canada as warm as Calcutta, and with its comfort brings its industrial power.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)