Outlook

--by John A. Koropchak
Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Dean
 

Coal-related projects at SIUC are a perfect example of research that hits close to home but has worldwide implications.

Many Illinoisans have lost their jobs since stricter Clean Air standards prompted many power plants to stop buying high-sulfur Illinois coal. SIUC's Coal Research Center has long sought to combat this economic trend by reducing the sulfur dioxide and other pollutants that are byproducts of coal burning. As our cover story shows, new coal gasification systems can solve the sulfur problem once and for all--and help put the brakes on global warming too.

Coal gasification is no pipe dream. It has a long history, and technologies are being fine-tuned to make it a nonpolluting way to generate electricity, produce hydrogen for fuel cells, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Some of SIUC's clean-coal researchers have been working in these areas. The work of researchers here also has improved mining productivity and reduced waste--efficiency gains that can tip the balance sheet in favor of gasification plants.

SIUC's research shows that promoting Illinois coal, moving toward greater energy independence, and reducing the environmental toll from fossil fuels are compatible goals. Our track record in coal R&D poises us to do much more, and we are moving aggressively to expand our role in energy research over the next decade.

Coal can be part of the energy problem--or, through the development of ultra-clean technologies that allow it to substitute for natural gas and petroleum, it can be part of the energy solution. We plan to make sure it's part of the solution.

Comments: Perspectives Webmaster
Copyright © 2005, Board of Trustees, Southern Illinois University | Privacy Policy