U.S. & CHINA TO CLEAN COAL

NewEnergyNews WELCOMES research on "clean coal" technology. Just don't say "clean coal" is a PROVED technolgy. And remember that it MIGHT be an oxymoron.

U.S., China Partner On Clean Coal
May 16, 2007 (UPI)

WHO
China's Shenhua Group (Chen Biting, chairman), Dow Chemical Co. (Andrew Liveris, chairman/chief executive officer)
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WHAT
The two companies signed an agreement to research a coal-to-chemicals complex using “clean coal” technology.

WHEN
The project will be studied for 2 years and then submitted for final approval.

WHERE
The project under study would be in Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

WHY
- The complex will use “clean coal” technology, converting coal to methanol and using that to make the ethylene and propylene constituents of plastics and chemical products.
- The “clean coal” technology presumably (though unreported in the news item) would capture greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacturing processes.
- To be assessed: environmental impacts, water supply, engineering design, market/product mix, logistics/supply chain, economic effects
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QUOTES
- Biting: "The coal chemical plant will make full use of the advantages of the two companies. This project will form a commercially competitive industry, with a positive impact on the local economic growth…"
- Liveris: "We are delighted to see the project moving to the next phase with Shenhua…This project aligns with Dow's strategy to invest in growth geographies like China, and will build Dow's competitive position to serve customers in Asia with locally produced products and solutions."