Coal to Liquids Production

Currently, the major coal-to-liquids production process is the Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) process. Processes that convert coal directly into liquids (direct liquefaction) also exist. Producing liquid fuels from coal results in substantial greenhouse gas emissions; carbon sequestration technologies can mitigate this impact.

Fischer-Tropsch Process

In the F-T process, coal is converted into gas and then into liquid fuels. See The Fischer-Tropsch Process to learn how it works. For decades, the South African company Sasol has supplied much of that country's diesel demand with natural gas- and coal-derived F-T diesel.

Additional F-T coal-to-liquids production is being developed worldwide. China, which has the world's third largest coal reserves after the United States and Russia, has shown particular interest. In the United States, companies such as Syntroleum and Rentech are developing projects.

Direct Liquefaction

The primary method for directly liquefying coal is the Bergius hydrogenation process. In this process, low-grade coal is reacted with hydrogen at high temperature and pressure to produce liquids that can be refined into synthetic fuels. Direct liquefaction projects are being deployed or studied in China, India, and the Philippines.

For coal-to-liquids production news, including information about other production methods, see the Green Car Congress Coal-to-Liquids page.