Coal: Still Old Reliable?

Abstract

Coal, the largest energy resource of the United States, is the subject of considerable current interest as the United States strives to find ways by which to reduce de pendence on imported fuels. As a result of this interest, reports discussing the potential of coal have often been exaggerated. While it does have considerable promise, the concern for environmental protection may limit the time scale required for coal to achieve widespread use. Tech nologies to eliminate potential pollution problems which result from the use of coal are not available; however, serious work is under way, and they should be available by the early 1980s. Coal needs to be better understood if its poten tial is to be realized. As a highly sophisticated hydrocarbon polymer, its chemical nature and its large energy resource value demand that effective utilization be achieved as soon as possible. In this discussion, the problems and possible solu tions for the effective development of this valuable domestic resource are outlined.