Advances in coal to liquid technology

Abstract

Coal to liquid (CTL) routes to produce synthetic fuels are well established, but the very high plant costs have made these processes economically uncompetitive, despite the high quality and cleanness of the fuel obtained. Rather, CTL has in the past been employed for strategic reasons by countries wishing to enhance energy security or undertake import substitution. The recent high levels of oil prices have revived interest in CTL to a level not seen since the 1980s. Increased investment, coupled with process innovations, may make synthetic fuel attractive economically, although the high carbon footprint of some process routes will need to be overcome with the likely advent of carbon pricing.