Energy material transport, now through 2000, system characteristics and potential problems. Task 2 final report: coal transportation.

Abstract

This report contains a summary characterization of the existing domestic coal transportation system and an assessment of some potential problems which may impact coal transportation in the United States during the balance of the century. A primary purpose of this task is to provide information and perspective that contributes to the evaluation of research and development needs and priorities in future programs. Specific concerns are identified which warrant additional programmatic effort to fill apparent gaps in the coverage of other relevant programs. Recommendations are made for new programs to address these concerns according to their apparent importance under conditions known or anticipated in early 1978. These recommendations are intended to encourage new research initiatives by the coal transportation industry, the Department of Energy (DOE) and other cognizant agencies. Concerns were identified by the analysis of problem issues associated with currently-projected growth scenarios for domestic coal consumption. The assessment of potential problem effects on the adequacy of future coal transportation assumes domestic coal production levels of approximately one billion tons in 1985 and two billion tons by the year 2000. The relative priorities of potential problems were judged on the basis of their overall impact on the system and the immediacy of this potential impact.