Coal gasification in the Keystone State

From the Alternative Fuels Index:

"The nation's first coal gasification/liquefaction plant is proposed for construction in Schuylkill County, where the plant will use waste coal to produce 40 million gallons of clean-burning diesel fuel each year. The state worked with private industry to ensure a long-term, viable market for the plant by creating a fuel consortium that will purchase nearly all of the offtake. Pennsylvania will lock in its supply for some 10 years at prices well below current market values."

Coal gasification has been around for years. Used by the Nazis in Germany to maintain their military apparatus and in South Africa during apartheid embargoes, it is generally only economical for countries that have no other choice. Of course, research continues and test facilities exist (two or three actual facilities exist in SA and SW Pacific area) and it appears Pennsylvania will open one shortly. Now, the US has absolutely no lack of coal and I'm sure waste coal is plentiful as well. I haven't studied this fuel much but if we can reduce coal waste and limit dependence on foriegn oil, it will be a double whammy. Coal removal is still very damaging to the environment, however, making this choice a bit less exciting than others.