FutureCoalFuels.org Update
November 20, 2008
In this update:
· Dow Chemical Company urges government support for domestic CTL production
· World CTL 2009 conference set for Washington, D.C.
· Become a CTL grassroots supporter
· Stay up-to-date on the latest news reports spotlighting CTL
Dow Chemical Company urges
government support for domestic CTL production
The Dow
Chemical Company recently promoted coal-based fuels as an important component
for ensuring the future supply of affordable domestic energy. On Nov. 13,
the company released its “Energy Plan for America,” which calls on
Congress to establish a direct loan program that would support the construction
of three commercial-scale polygeneration plants.
The plants would use domestic coal and biomass resources to produce
electricity, military and commercial transportation fuels, chemicals and
plastics. Coupled with carbon capture and storage capabilities, such as
enhanced oil recovery, Dow said these plants will help “advance our
energy security and provide an alternative source of feedstock to sustain a
domestic chemicals and plastics industry.”
An executive summary of the plan emphasized that the technology to build these
plants already exists and that Dow has “pledged to lead a consortium of
interests to make investments in polygeneration in the United
States.” Each plant would cost approximately $10 billion to
construct, with Dow’s plan calling on Congress to create a
“unique” financing mechanism that would give the federal a
government as much as a 50 percent equity position.
The plants would produce 60,000-100,000 barrels per day of coal-based fuels, 1 million tons annually of naphtha feedstock for the chemical industry and 250 megawatts of electricity. “The ability to produce plastics from the naphtha would convert carbon into commonly used plastics,” said Dow. “Remaining CO2 would be used in enhanced oil recovery and otherwise sequestered, as part of a national effort to minimize the carbon output and impact of fuel production and power generation. “
Dow said that as each new plant
is completed and made operational, “new understandings and technologies
developed from the research and operation can be applied to drive down the cost
and reduce further impact from CO2.”
The executive summary of Dow’s plan is available here.
World CTL 2009 conference set for Washington, D.C.
Leading public and private sector representatives
from the U.S. and around the world will gather in Washington, D.C., next March
for the World CTL 2009 Conference. The March 25-27 conference will focus
on a range of topics, including energy security, environmental performance,
technological developments and project updates.
The conference is endorsed by
the World Coal Institute, World Energy Council and the World Petroleum Council.
The conference will begin on March 25 with two parallel workshops focused on
practical issues surrounding project development, with two days of plenary
sessions following on March 26-27. The plenary sessions will feature
presentations and discussions from leading coal, oil and technology
leaders. Peabody Energy Chairman and CEO Greg Boyce, West Virginia Gov.
Joe Manchin (D) and Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D) are among the distinguished
roster of presenters for the plenary sessions.
More information on the conference is available here.
Become a CTL grassroots supporter
The Coal-to-Liquids Coalition is working to build a strong network of grassroots supporters willing to contact federal and state lawmakers to voice their support for measures meant to spur the domestic production of affordable, clean-burning CTL fuels. CTL grassroots supporters can include company employees, union members, retirees, their families, friends and others spread across the country who share a personal stake in the successful launch of a domestic CTL industry.
A robust CTL grassroots network can be an invaluable tool in helping to increase the bipartisan support for legislation designed to jumpstart the production of ultra-clean CTL fuels.
To become a grassroots supporter visit: http://capwiz.com/futurecoalfuels/home/.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news reports spotlighting CTL
Through its web site, www.futurecoalfuels.org,
the Coal-to-Liquids Coalition collects news stories from across the country
that feature the latest information on how coal-to-liquid fuels will help
reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and yield important
environmental benefits. For access to recent CTL news items, please
visit: http://www.futurecoalfuels.org/news.asp.
As CTL fuel developments transpire, be sure to regularly visit FutureCoalFuels.org for the latest news and information and learn how you can help strengthen America’s energy future.
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