Electrical energy consumed conversion process

This paper touches on the chemistry of coal gasification and liquefaction comments on the current status of conversion processes and the influence of coal properties on coal performance in such processes and examines the contributions which coal conversion could make towards attainment of Canadian energy self-sufficiency. Particular attention is directed to a possible role for the medium-btu gas in long-term supply of fuel gas to residential and industrial consumers to linkages between partial conversion and thermal generation of electric energy and to coproduction of certain petrochemicals, fuel gas and liquid hydrocarbons by carbon monoxide hydrogenation. 

Fossil fuels currently make up the backbone of the US energy economy. The processing of these fuels leads to considerable levels of CO2 production. An estimated 1.5 billion tons of carbon in the form of CO2 is emitted each year. About 40% is produced in the conversion of fuel into electricity. Inefficient chemical processes can also be added to the fist of major energy consumers. For example, petroleum reforming and ammonia synthesis both consume considerable amounts of resources in order to provide the heat necessary to drive their respective reactions. In addition, they operate at high temperatures, which tends to lead to the greater production of combustion products and thus lower overall selectivities. The design of catalysts which are more active would lower the temperature of... 

Looking to the future we have a nvunber of options, some technological and some consumer based, to reduce the impact of the energy systems and alleviate concerns over energy supply. Put very simply, one of the main technological options that we have is to increase the efficiency of the conversion process from petroleum to power, or fuel to electricity. 

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