This unified presentation starts with fundamentals and proceeds to the derivation of gas from coal and gas upgrading. Subsequent chapters examine liquids and clean solids produced from coal, liquids obtained from oil shale and tar sands, biomass conversion, and environmental and economic aspects. 1982 edition.

This report provides a data base for Project Independence Blueprint in the area of synthetic fuels from coal. This area involves both industrial practice and a relatively large amount of advanced coal conversion technology, much of which is on an advanced pilot plant level. It must be emphasized that the report simply identifies representative resources (financial, raw materials, manpower) needed in case a decision is made to achieve given synthetic fuel production rates. The report does not suggest or imply that the resources identified herein, either financial in terms of capital or raw resources in terms of the needed coal mine capacities, are currently available. By simply identifying the critical resources, this report provides a needed data base for decision in the area of synthetic fuels.