World coal reserves distribution

Figure 2.21. World coal reserve distribution. Source ElA 2004d.

Known world coal reserves in 1990 were estimated to be about 1000—1600 biUion metric tons (4). The geographic distribution of these reserves is widespread, but about two-thirds of this coal resides in the United States, People s RepubHc of China, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. 

Generally, when estimates of coal supply are developed, there must be a line of demarcation between coal reserves and resources. Reserves are coal deposits that can be mined economically with existing technology, or current equipment and methods. Resources are an estimate of the total coal deposits, regardless of whether the deposits are commercially accessible. For example, world coal reserves were estimated to be in excess of 1 trillion tons (1 x 10 tons) and world coal resources were estimated to be approximately 10 trillion tons (10 x 10 tons) and are geographically distributed in Europe, including all of Russia and the other countries that made up the Soviet Union, North America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America (Table 1.4). 

Table 3.9 shows the distribution of world hard coal reserves and resources in 2005. Total reserves amounted to 728 Gt (626 Gtce), of which the vast majority are located in the USA and China, followed by India and Russia. The top ten countries represent 85% of total reserves. Considering the production of 2005, the static lifetime of hard coal can be calculated at around 150 years however, we should acknowledge the simplicity of this approach, as coal use is expected to increase significantly in the future. As for hard coal resources, whose quantification is more uncertain, Russia is leading, followed by China and the United States. Figure 3.22 shows the geographical distribution of cumulative production, reserves and resources of hard coal. 

OECD). Two-thirds of the world s remaining oil reserves are located within member nations of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) (ElA 2003b). Natural gas reserves follow a similar distribution pattern. Only 10% of the world reserves are located in OECD nations. The rest is located mainly in OPEC countries (just under one-half) and Russia (one-third) (ElA 2003b). Coal reserves, however, are more plentiful, and distributed in other parts of the world. Approximately three-quarters of the world s coal reserves are found in North America, Asia, Oceania, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union (EIA 2003b). 

Almost as important as reserve size is reserve distribution. While current reserve estimates and production levels indicate global supplies of oil, natural gas, and coal, of 40,60, and 200 years, respectively, these supplies are not universally distributed across the world. 

In summary, oil and natural gas reserves are heavily concentrated in OPEC nations and Russia while coal reserves, which are far more abundant, are found in other parts of the world, including the countries with the highest levels of consumption. Political and economic ramifications of the scarcity and distribution of oil and natural gas are significant and complex. 

The distribution of coal in the world is given in Table 2.1. The recoverable reserves consist of the coal which can be economically mined with presently known technology and conditions. The proven reserves are the coal known to be present, within +20%, by extensive drilling and experience and are about twice the recoverable reserves. The estimated total world coal resources are about eight times larger and are based on geologically favorable formation within the earth s crust and on previous experience within the coimtries concerned. It excludes under sea or under ice sites. 

Of the world s reserves, the distribution between hard and soft coal is about equal on a global basis. There is enough coal to last the world for 200-1,000 years depending on the rate of usage and the rate of exploration. 

Coal, tar, and heavy oil fuel reserves are widely distributed throughout the world. In the Western hemisphere, Canada has large tar sand, bitumen (very heavy cmde oil), and coal deposits. The United States has very large reserves of coal and shale. Coal comprises ca 85% of the U.S. recoverable fossil energy reserves (6). Venezuela has an enormous bitumen deposit and Brazil has significant oil shale (qv) reserves. Coal is also found in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Pern. Worldwide, the total resource base of these reserves is immense and may constitute >90% of the hydrocarbon resources in place (see... 

Countries in the Middle East and Russia hold 70% of the world s dwindling reserves of oil and gas. Coal is the most abundant and widely distributed fossil fuel. Global natural gas reserves are large and currently yield a reserve/production ratio of 50 to 60 years. Nuclear power s share of worldwide electricity supplies has been steady at 16-17% for many years, but reactor safety and waste disposal problems are still matters of concern. 

Natural gas displaced most manufactured gas for municipal distribution in industrialized countries after World War II. In the 1960s and 1970s, interest in developing advanced coal gasification processes was rekindled when it was believed that natural gas reserves would become insufficient in a few years to meet demand. This activity has since declined, but several coal gasification processes developed during this period have been commercialized and are used for production of fuel and synthesis gas. 

Four coals were selected for process evaluation whose sulfur form distribution is typical of coals east of the Mississippi River and which represent major U.S. coal beds Pittsburgh, Lower Kittanning, Illinois No 5, and Herrin No. 6. The Pittsburgh bed has been described as the most valuable individual mineral deposit in the United States and perhaps in the world. Its production accounts for approximately 35%. of the total cumulative production of the Appalachian bituminous coal basin to January 1, 1965 and 21% of the total cumulative production of the United States to that date (5). The Lower Sattanning bed together with its correlative beds contains even larger reserves than the Pittsburgh seam. The No. 5 bed is the most widespread and commercially valuable coal bed in... 

The energy consumption is growing fast in Asia, and China has become the world s second largest consumer of oil, after the USA. The proved reserves of oil are concentrated in the Middle East (61%) and those of natural gas are also in the Middle East (41%), followed by Russia (23%) [78], Coal is more evenly distributed between the continents. 

SNG from coal is essential to the long term energy supplies of the United States. The extensive gas distribution system is a valuable asset that must be maintained with adequate supplies of natural gas. The ratio of natural gas reserves to consumption indicates the need for alternative sources, such as SNG from coal. Current low natural gas prices will expand consumption, and in the long term, free market economics will eventually force natural gas close to fuel oil value. Depending on the long term world crude oil supplies and price, SNG from coal could become a very attractive alternative, politically and economically. 

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