Linc Energy hands over GTL demo plant

Linc Energy Ltd., Australias leader in clean coal technology, has produced its first liquids from the Chinchilla coal-to-liquid (CTL) demonstration plant in southwest Queensland. The project involves two processes, the underground coal gasification (UCG) process and gas-to-liquid (GTL) conversion process. Linc says the process provides the potential for billions of tons of stranded coal resources to be converted into transport fuels in an environmentally acceptable way. The company said one ton of coal can be converted to 1.5 barrels of liquid fuel. Linc plans to operate the facility using the experience to help finalize the engineering scope for its proposed 20,000 barrel per day (bpd) commercial facility to be constructed during the next 12 months. The companys vision is to become a dominant player in the supply of more environmentally friendly power, diesel and jet fuel. (August 18/October 15, 2008)