The Future of Coal: Options For A Carbon-Constrained World (repost)

In 2002, a group of MIT Faculty decided to undertake a series of interdisciplinary studies about how the United States and the world would meet future energy demand without increasing emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases. Th e fi rst study “Th e Future of Nuclear Power” appeared in 2003. In 2004 a similar group of MIT faculty undertook the present study, “The Future of Coal.” The purpose of the study is to examine the role of coal in a world where constraints on carbon emissions are adopted to mitigate global warming. The study’s particular emphasis is to compare the performance and cost of diff erent coal combustion technologies when combined with an integrated system for CO2 capture and sequestration.

Our audience is government, industry and academic leaders and decision makers interested in the management of the interrelated set of technical, economic, environmental, and political issues that must be addressed in seeking to limit and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the eff ects of climate change. Coal is likely to remain an important source of energy in any conceivable future energy scenario. Accordingly, our study focuses on identifying the priority actions needed to reduce the CO2 emissions that coal use produces. We trust that our integrated analysis will stimulate constructive dialogue both in the United States and throughout the world.
Th is study refl ects our conviction that the MIT community is well equipped to carry out interdisciplinary studies of this nature to shed light on complex socio-technical issues that will have major impact on our economy and society.