TransGas Development Systems (TGDS) plans to build a $3 billion coal-to-liquids (CTL) plant near Gilbert, WV producing 6.5 million barrels per year of gasoline. TGDS is obtaining a state air quality permit so it can begin construction of the plant by 2010.>>More...

BP and The Chinese Academy of Sciences signed a joint venture agreement to establish a Clean Energy Commercialization Center in Shanghai to bring clean energy technologies to China. The center will have a total investment of $146m split between BP and the Academy.

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The Australian reported today that Shell and Anglo American will forgo plans to develop a $5 billion coal to liquids plant in the Southeastern Australian state of Victoria. The plant, titled the Monash Energy joint venture, will enter an extended evaluation period as the companies wait for a more optimal economic environment.  Roger Bounds, director of the project, said, “…at this stage, critical requirement for this project are not yet in place. The reasons for this include higher capital cost estimates and escalated construction costs.”                                                                                            >>More...

Indiana Gasification LLC withdrew its application with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to build its$1.5 billion SNG plant in Spencer County, IN.  The plant was to use gasification and methanation to convert coal into SNG and generate electricity.  Duke Energy continues to build a $2.35 billion, 630-MW IGCC plant in Edwardsport, IN.

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The Illinois legislature approved the first step towards establishing a coal gasification project in the Central Illinois town of Taylorville. On Thursday, lawmakers gave approval to fund a feasibility study to evaluate the costs and engineering requirements for the proposed gasification plant.  The feasibility study will be completed after 18 months after which the Illinois Commerce Commission and Illinois Power Authority will review the report and pass on their recommendation to the Illinois General Assembly.    

Lawmakers will then make a decision on the construction and funding for the plant.  Funding may come partly from a bond issue.  The feasibility study, undertaken by Nebraska-based Tenaska, will cost an estimated $18 million.  If built, the plant will use homegrown Illinois coal to produce 550 megawatts of electricity. >>More...