The conversion of solid carbon energy sources to liquid fuels is technology that will be required more in the future for reliable supply of liquid fuels. Liquid fuels are energy dense, easily stored and likely to remain the key fuels for transportation by air, sea and land. The keys technologies are old including gasification of coal with water that began in 18th century. The gas generated in old gasometers was used for urban lighting, heating and cooking until its replacement with natural gas in the mid-20th century. The carbon monoxide and hydrogen generated is the water gas reaction can be used a feedstock to synthesise gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuels using reaction technology first developed by Fischer and Tropsch in early 20th century.
Direct liquefaction of coal using high pressure hydrogen and catalysts was first developed by Bergius in Germany in 1910s and has the process continues to be improved. This technology has been used in Germany, South Africa and was further developed in USA in 1980s and most advances now are taking place in China and India, countries with abundant coal reserves that need to import petroleum for most liquid fuels.
The two technologies ICL (direct coal liquefaction) and DCL (direct coal liquefaction) are complimentary and often used together. ICL can be used as a source of hydrogen for DCL reactors. DCL can also be improved by blending with biomass which can also provide necessary hydrogen and oxygen in addition to carbon. Indeed, this technology is referred to as XTL because the carbon source can be variable.
In the future petroleum and natural gas reserves will become less accessible. The use of XTL technology to produce liquid fuels from solid carbon sources will become more essential for transportation.
This is a technology that has much room for improvement. Ulick is working with partners to improve the technology and its acceptance as necessary for the future of humanity.