Archive for the 'Business' Category
Foreign Companies Keen to Tap China’s Coal Deposits
Dylan Sun asked:
Foreign companies that own clean coal technologies and work with their Chinese counterparts to tap China’s coal reserves, one of the world’s largest, may get good returns as China is seeking to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and ease its increasing thirst for oil. “In the coming five years, China will make major advances in rational utilization of coal. Foreign companies willing to invest in China would gain big profits with a small capital,” says Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai.
Bo made the prediction during the first China (Taiyuan) International Coal and Energy New Industry Expo 2007 last week. In fact, several big-name foreign companies, such as Royal Dutch Shell Plc, South Africa-based Sasol Ltd., General Electric (GE), ABB Group and Siemens AG, have worked with Chinese companies to produce electricity and substitutes for crude oil derivatives from coal.
Once proved feasible industrially and commercially, large coal chemical projects involving about 6 billion U.S. dollars of investment are expected to start in China’s coal-rich western regions, including Ningxia, Shaanxi and Shanxi, according to local economic planning agencies.
Sasol Ltd., which has commercially-proven coal-to-liquids (CTL) technology, a sort of indirect liquefaction technology, planned to develop two CTL plants in cooperation with China’s Shenhua Ningxia Coal Group (SNCG) and Shenhua Coal Group, each with a capacity of about 3 million tons of coal-turned oil per year.
The company and its Chinese counterparts are carrying out feasibility studies, said Chen Liming, executive vice president of Sasol China. The projects would become demonstration projects during China’s 11th five-year plan period that ends in 2010.Shenhua Group, China’s largest coal company, has said it would produce the country’s first barrel of liquid fuel from coal in 2008 in Erdos of Inner Mongolia, using self-owned technology known as direct coal liquefaction. “There are no impassable obstacles in developing technologies for converting coal into oil, but the effect of such technologies should be tested with small trial operations because they cost much money and call for sound risk-control abilities,” said Zhang Yuzhuo, who is in charge of Shenhua’s coal liquefaction business. Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Europe’s second-biggest oil company, and SNCG have agreed to study the feasibility of a plant in China with a daily capacity of 70,000 barrels.
Siemens has also signed an agreement with SNCG to provide key gasification equipment for a coal-based dimethyl ether (DME) project, with a planned annual production of 830,000 tons. Coal already provides up to 70 percent of China’s energy needs, mostly for the power sector and steel industry. Meanwhile, oil imports have been increased to fuel China’s booming economy, spurring the nation to look for technologies that can turn some of its coal reserves into fuel and other chemicals. “We are under much pressure in oil supply,” said the Chinese commerce minister. Development and application of clean coal technologies have been described as key areas in the 11th five-year plan for the country’s coal industry.
Foreign companies that own clean coal technologies and work with their Chinese counterparts to tap China’s coal reserves, one of the world’s largest, may get good returns as China is seeking to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and ease its increasing thirst for oil. “In the coming five years, China will make major advances in rational utilization of coal. Foreign companies willing to invest in China would gain big profits with a small capital,” says Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai.
Bo made the prediction during the first China (Taiyuan) International Coal and Energy New Industry Expo 2007 last week. In fact, several big-name foreign companies, such as Royal Dutch Shell Plc, South Africa-based Sasol Ltd., General Electric (GE), ABB Group and Siemens AG, have worked with Chinese companies to produce electricity and substitutes for crude oil derivatives from coal.
Once proved feasible industrially and commercially, large coal chemical projects involving about 6 billion U.S. dollars of investment are expected to start in China’s coal-rich western regions, including Ningxia, Shaanxi and Shanxi, according to local economic planning agencies.
Sasol Ltd., which has commercially-proven coal-to-liquids (CTL) technology, a sort of indirect liquefaction technology, planned to develop two CTL plants in cooperation with China’s Shenhua Ningxia Coal Group (SNCG) and Shenhua Coal Group, each with a capacity of about 3 million tons of coal-turned oil per year.
The company and its Chinese counterparts are carrying out feasibility studies, said Chen Liming, executive vice president of Sasol China. The projects would become demonstration projects during China’s 11th five-year plan period that ends in 2010.Shenhua Group, China’s largest coal company, has said it would produce the country’s first barrel of liquid fuel from coal in 2008 in Erdos of Inner Mongolia, using self-owned technology known as direct coal liquefaction. “There are no impassable obstacles in developing technologies for converting coal into oil, but the effect of such technologies should be tested with small trial operations because they cost much money and call for sound risk-control abilities,” said Zhang Yuzhuo, who is in charge of Shenhua’s coal liquefaction business. Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Europe’s second-biggest oil company, and SNCG have agreed to study the feasibility of a plant in China with a daily capacity of 70,000 barrels.
Siemens has also signed an agreement with SNCG to provide key gasification equipment for a coal-based dimethyl ether (DME) project, with a planned annual production of 830,000 tons. Coal already provides up to 70 percent of China’s energy needs, mostly for the power sector and steel industry. Meanwhile, oil imports have been increased to fuel China’s booming economy, spurring the nation to look for technologies that can turn some of its coal reserves into fuel and other chemicals. “We are under much pressure in oil supply,” said the Chinese commerce minister. Development and application of clean coal technologies have been described as key areas in the 11th five-year plan for the country’s coal industry.
If you Can’t - you Must! Break Through Illusions to Find your Power
Lorraine Cohen asked:
In the late 80s, my three friends and I participated in one of Anthony Robbins 5-day seminars on empowerment that included walking barefoot across burning coals. When we arrived that evening, the first sight we saw was fire trucks and medical teams (on call in case of any emergencies). You can imagine what was going through our minds!
For the next five hours (with about 500 people) we experienced numerous exercises in preparation for the fire walk. We focused our mental states to imagine the burning coals were “cool moss.” I admit that I felt some fear. Could I do it? Would I be safe? Would I get burned?
Of course no one HAD to do it. As I watched all of my friends successfully do their walk, I just had to go next. I wasn’t going to be the only one who bailed! We were mentally prepared to imagine (and believe) that, as we walked, the ground beneath our feet was cool moss. Big gulps. Ready, get set….now walk. “Cool moss, cool moss.” I took my first step and kept going until I reached the end. Guess what? No burns. It was an amazing experience.
I’ve looked back over that evening many times to remind myself those things that seem threatening or overwhelmingly difficult CAN BE OVERCOME with the right mindset, support, and resources.
What I’m emphasizing is that things that appear or seem too big to manage might be easier to overcome than you might think. Watch that illusion piece. You know - perception can be a tricky thing. You can see things as problems or opportunities.
Over the next five days, I heard Tony use the phrase, “If you can’t, you must. If you must, you can.” He’s been quoted for that phrase. When I heard him say those words, they really struck a chord in me. I have never forgotten them.
Here’s why that quote has become a ‘powerfull’ mantra for me. Whenever I feel passionate about something or when I feel driven to do something and some resistance or fear pops up, I remember that quote. It helps me bust through roadblocks.
When the need/desire to move becomes greater than the resistance to stay stuck we can move mountains. I call this “tipping the scale.” Many people will push through things that are uncomfortable when the pain of holding on to something becomes so unbearable that they are willing to do whatever it takes to make the pain go away. Pain is a pretty ‘powerfull’ motivator.
That weekend was a metaphor for me - overcoming the illusion of MOUNTAINS that are really mole hills. (That’s one of the reasons I use that tag line in my products!) Now, I pay attention to those times when I have a burning desire to take action in the face uncertainty or fear.
I just remember, “If you can’t, you must. If you must, you can.” While pain is a ‘powerfull’ motivator for change - passion and burning desire is much more pleasurable!
Cool moss……
In the late 80s, my three friends and I participated in one of Anthony Robbins 5-day seminars on empowerment that included walking barefoot across burning coals. When we arrived that evening, the first sight we saw was fire trucks and medical teams (on call in case of any emergencies). You can imagine what was going through our minds!
For the next five hours (with about 500 people) we experienced numerous exercises in preparation for the fire walk. We focused our mental states to imagine the burning coals were “cool moss.” I admit that I felt some fear. Could I do it? Would I be safe? Would I get burned?
Of course no one HAD to do it. As I watched all of my friends successfully do their walk, I just had to go next. I wasn’t going to be the only one who bailed! We were mentally prepared to imagine (and believe) that, as we walked, the ground beneath our feet was cool moss. Big gulps. Ready, get set….now walk. “Cool moss, cool moss.” I took my first step and kept going until I reached the end. Guess what? No burns. It was an amazing experience.
I’ve looked back over that evening many times to remind myself those things that seem threatening or overwhelmingly difficult CAN BE OVERCOME with the right mindset, support, and resources.
What I’m emphasizing is that things that appear or seem too big to manage might be easier to overcome than you might think. Watch that illusion piece. You know - perception can be a tricky thing. You can see things as problems or opportunities.
Over the next five days, I heard Tony use the phrase, “If you can’t, you must. If you must, you can.” He’s been quoted for that phrase. When I heard him say those words, they really struck a chord in me. I have never forgotten them.
Here’s why that quote has become a ‘powerfull’ mantra for me. Whenever I feel passionate about something or when I feel driven to do something and some resistance or fear pops up, I remember that quote. It helps me bust through roadblocks.
When the need/desire to move becomes greater than the resistance to stay stuck we can move mountains. I call this “tipping the scale.” Many people will push through things that are uncomfortable when the pain of holding on to something becomes so unbearable that they are willing to do whatever it takes to make the pain go away. Pain is a pretty ‘powerfull’ motivator.
That weekend was a metaphor for me - overcoming the illusion of MOUNTAINS that are really mole hills. (That’s one of the reasons I use that tag line in my products!) Now, I pay attention to those times when I have a burning desire to take action in the face uncertainty or fear.
I just remember, “If you can’t, you must. If you must, you can.” While pain is a ‘powerfull’ motivator for change - passion and burning desire is much more pleasurable!
Cool moss……
Concentrated Solar Power
Anna Williams asked:
“CSP” stands for “Concentrated Solar Power.” The term refers to the type of solar energy which is created by concentrating sunlight onto a small area, thus creating intense light and heat, which in turn generates power and electricity. Concentrated Solar Power is one of several alternative energy technologies which have been developed in order to harness the energy emitted by the sun and turn it into useable electricity.
The main difference between concentrated solar power (CSP) energy systems and other solar power systems (such as photovoltaics and solar heating), is that concentrated solar power uses mirrors and reflectors in order to focus concentrated sunlight on a specific location.
- How CSP Solar Energy Systems Work
A simple but accurate comparison to CSP solar energy is the use of a magnifying lens to focus sunlight on a specific area. But the target of a CSP system is to heat fluids, not ants or other luckless insects.
The fluids heated by this concentrated solar energy are then turned into steam. The steam is in turn forced through a fan, and is used to drive a regular steam turbine, which uses its turning motion to generate electricity through electromagnetic means.
One advantage of concentrated solar power is that it is completely compatible with the contemporary power generators which are used in conventional power plants. But in the case of CSP solar energy, the “fuel” used to generate steam is sunlight, not fossil fuels such as oil and coal.
You may be surprised to learn that in the USA, several CSP power plants are already up and running - and that they have performed reliably for the past fifteen years.
At the time of this writing, the least expensive method of using solar power to produce electricity is the to use concentrated solar power systems.
Research and development projects are underway, with the aim of reducing costs even further, so that the cost of producing electricity with solar power can eventually compete with the costs of energy production in modern conventional power plants.
CSP Solar Energy is one of several methods of generating solar power and alternative energy on a broad scale. Another example of broad scale solar power production is the use of solar power towers. These towers use an assortment of moving mirrors (called heliostats) to continuously reflect sunlight toward a central area at the top of the tower. These heliostats are set up so that they follow the movement of the sun, thus maintaining the strongest reflecting power possible.
“CSP” stands for “Concentrated Solar Power.” The term refers to the type of solar energy which is created by concentrating sunlight onto a small area, thus creating intense light and heat, which in turn generates power and electricity. Concentrated Solar Power is one of several alternative energy technologies which have been developed in order to harness the energy emitted by the sun and turn it into useable electricity.
The main difference between concentrated solar power (CSP) energy systems and other solar power systems (such as photovoltaics and solar heating), is that concentrated solar power uses mirrors and reflectors in order to focus concentrated sunlight on a specific location.
- How CSP Solar Energy Systems Work
A simple but accurate comparison to CSP solar energy is the use of a magnifying lens to focus sunlight on a specific area. But the target of a CSP system is to heat fluids, not ants or other luckless insects.
The fluids heated by this concentrated solar energy are then turned into steam. The steam is in turn forced through a fan, and is used to drive a regular steam turbine, which uses its turning motion to generate electricity through electromagnetic means.
One advantage of concentrated solar power is that it is completely compatible with the contemporary power generators which are used in conventional power plants. But in the case of CSP solar energy, the “fuel” used to generate steam is sunlight, not fossil fuels such as oil and coal.
You may be surprised to learn that in the USA, several CSP power plants are already up and running - and that they have performed reliably for the past fifteen years.
At the time of this writing, the least expensive method of using solar power to produce electricity is the to use concentrated solar power systems.
Research and development projects are underway, with the aim of reducing costs even further, so that the cost of producing electricity with solar power can eventually compete with the costs of energy production in modern conventional power plants.
CSP Solar Energy is one of several methods of generating solar power and alternative energy on a broad scale. Another example of broad scale solar power production is the use of solar power towers. These towers use an assortment of moving mirrors (called heliostats) to continuously reflect sunlight toward a central area at the top of the tower. These heliostats are set up so that they follow the movement of the sun, thus maintaining the strongest reflecting power possible.
Coal Helps America Through Power and Jobs
Samuel Martin asked:
Electricity is a crucial part of American life. In fact, it is a $200 billion a year commodity, making it the largest commodity in the United States.
When the prices for large commodities, like electricity, stay low or go down, inflation stays low. So, commodity price fluctuations prove to be strong economic indicators.
The lower electric rates from low coal prices can affect inflation rates now and in the future. And low interest rates can help protect the savings and investments of millions of Americans.
In addition, new technology is linked to electricity usage and thus the economy. The increasing purchase and use of technological advances, like computers, cell phones and personal data organizers, greatly increases consumption of electricity from coal. Therefore, when consumers purchase these items, they drive the economy in two ways: with their purchase and with their electricity usage.
America’s need for electricity from coal can also be seen in the almost direct relationship between electricity use and economic activity. For example, every 1 percent increase in the gross domestic product has caused about a 1 percent increase in electricity demand.
In addition to electricity, coal affects the economy through job creation, revenue and taxes. The coal industry and related business have created more than 90,000 jobs in the United States alone and almost 1 million jobs worldwide.
Thirty-seven billion dollars, or nearly 1 percent of all the earnings of Americans, comes from coal-related work.
The value of coal produced in the United States each year is nearly $18 billion. Coal mining has a combined direct and indirect impact of $161 billion annually on the U.S. economy. This is $596 for every U.S. citizen.
California and New York are two of the states benefiting most from coal, yet they are not home to any coal mining. In fact, every U.S. state benefits economically from coal.
Coal businesses pay more than $11 billion in federal taxes each year. Nine billion dollars in coal revenues go to state and local governments annually.
Electricity is a crucial part of American life. In fact, it is a $200 billion a year commodity, making it the largest commodity in the United States.
When the prices for large commodities, like electricity, stay low or go down, inflation stays low. So, commodity price fluctuations prove to be strong economic indicators.
The lower electric rates from low coal prices can affect inflation rates now and in the future. And low interest rates can help protect the savings and investments of millions of Americans.
In addition, new technology is linked to electricity usage and thus the economy. The increasing purchase and use of technological advances, like computers, cell phones and personal data organizers, greatly increases consumption of electricity from coal. Therefore, when consumers purchase these items, they drive the economy in two ways: with their purchase and with their electricity usage.
America’s need for electricity from coal can also be seen in the almost direct relationship between electricity use and economic activity. For example, every 1 percent increase in the gross domestic product has caused about a 1 percent increase in electricity demand.
In addition to electricity, coal affects the economy through job creation, revenue and taxes. The coal industry and related business have created more than 90,000 jobs in the United States alone and almost 1 million jobs worldwide.
Thirty-seven billion dollars, or nearly 1 percent of all the earnings of Americans, comes from coal-related work.
The value of coal produced in the United States each year is nearly $18 billion. Coal mining has a combined direct and indirect impact of $161 billion annually on the U.S. economy. This is $596 for every U.S. citizen.
California and New York are two of the states benefiting most from coal, yet they are not home to any coal mining. In fact, every U.S. state benefits economically from coal.
Coal businesses pay more than $11 billion in federal taxes each year. Nine billion dollars in coal revenues go to state and local governments annually.
Newcastle Coal Prices May Extend Gains on Quota Cuts
Dylan Sun asked:
Power-station coal prices at Australia’s Newcastle port rose for a second week and may extend gains on concern that plans to cut loading quotas in the fourth quarter may worsen shortages. Coal for immediate delivery at the world’s largest export- harbor for the fuel in New South Wales state rose 47 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $67.42 a metric ton in the week ended Sept. 21, according to the globalCOAL NEWC Index. Australian producers using Newcastle will have loading quotas trimmed in the fourth quarter to reduce vessel lines, a terminal official said. “If there are further cutbacks the market would not have taken that into account,” said Gavin Wendt, senior resources analyst at Fat Prophets in Sydney. “There’s only one way that coal prices would go and that’s upwards.”
Insufficient port and rail facilities are preventing Rio Tinto Plc, BHP Billiton Ltd. and Xstrata Plc from meeting increased demand for Australian coal. Almost 90 percent of the coal shipped through Newcastle last year was thermal coal produced in the Hunter Valley. The mining companies agreed in February to reintroduce the quota system to help reduce waiting times for ships and cut demurrage costs.
The companies will be asked to make voluntary cuts, failing which the reductions will be imposed based on their current allocations, Graham Davidson, general manager of Port Waratah Coal Services Ltd., said by phone today. He wouldn’t give details. “The cuts will be at a bad time for the Asia-Pacific market as a lot of consumers are ready to re-stock for the winter season,” said Gerard Burg, minerals and energy economist at National Australia Bank Ltd. “It’s a difficult time and will affect sentiment in the market and possibly consumers will move forward in their ordering to ensure supplies.”
The number of ships waiting to load coal at Newcastle fell to 44 as of this morning from 50 a week ago, Newcastle Port Corp. said on its Web Site. The coal carriers waited an average of 18.6 days to load, compared with 11 hours for general cargo.
A total of 1.52 million of coal was shipped in the week ended today, less than the 1.54 million tons a week earlier, Newcastle Port said. Seventeen ships with coal departed the port in the week ended Sept. 22, down from 21 a week earlier, the port said in a separate statement. Twelve headed to Japan, two each to Taiwan and Korea, and one to India.Japan and South Korea are boosting purchases from alternative suppliers after China cut shipments and became a net importer for the first time.
Power-station coal prices at Australia’s Newcastle port rose for a second week and may extend gains on concern that plans to cut loading quotas in the fourth quarter may worsen shortages. Coal for immediate delivery at the world’s largest export- harbor for the fuel in New South Wales state rose 47 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $67.42 a metric ton in the week ended Sept. 21, according to the globalCOAL NEWC Index. Australian producers using Newcastle will have loading quotas trimmed in the fourth quarter to reduce vessel lines, a terminal official said. “If there are further cutbacks the market would not have taken that into account,” said Gavin Wendt, senior resources analyst at Fat Prophets in Sydney. “There’s only one way that coal prices would go and that’s upwards.”
Insufficient port and rail facilities are preventing Rio Tinto Plc, BHP Billiton Ltd. and Xstrata Plc from meeting increased demand for Australian coal. Almost 90 percent of the coal shipped through Newcastle last year was thermal coal produced in the Hunter Valley. The mining companies agreed in February to reintroduce the quota system to help reduce waiting times for ships and cut demurrage costs.
The companies will be asked to make voluntary cuts, failing which the reductions will be imposed based on their current allocations, Graham Davidson, general manager of Port Waratah Coal Services Ltd., said by phone today. He wouldn’t give details. “The cuts will be at a bad time for the Asia-Pacific market as a lot of consumers are ready to re-stock for the winter season,” said Gerard Burg, minerals and energy economist at National Australia Bank Ltd. “It’s a difficult time and will affect sentiment in the market and possibly consumers will move forward in their ordering to ensure supplies.”
The number of ships waiting to load coal at Newcastle fell to 44 as of this morning from 50 a week ago, Newcastle Port Corp. said on its Web Site. The coal carriers waited an average of 18.6 days to load, compared with 11 hours for general cargo.
A total of 1.52 million of coal was shipped in the week ended today, less than the 1.54 million tons a week earlier, Newcastle Port said. Seventeen ships with coal departed the port in the week ended Sept. 22, down from 21 a week earlier, the port said in a separate statement. Twelve headed to Japan, two each to Taiwan and Korea, and one to India.Japan and South Korea are boosting purchases from alternative suppliers after China cut shipments and became a net importer for the first time.
China Sees Balanced Demand of Coal
Dylan Sun asked:
China’s government said coal supply and demand will reach a “balance” in the second half of this year as mining companies expand output faster than power producers and steelmakers increase their requirements. Demand growth in the second-half of this year will rise at a slower pace, the National Development and Reform Commission, China’s top economic planner, said in a statement on its Web site Monday. Supply will be less tight than in the six months ended June, the Beijing-based commission said. China’s energy use will rise by about 4 percent annually to the equivalent of 2.7 billion tons of standard coal by 2010, the government said in April. The country turned a net importer of coal in January for the first time as economic growth increased demand. About 78 percent of its electricity comes from coal. “A lot of coal production capacity will come on stream this year and next,” the commission said in the statement. “Capacity gains will outpace demand increases.”
Coal producers increased output by 10 percent in the first half to 1.26 billion metric tons, while demand gained 12 percent to 1.263 billion tons, the commission said. Railroads carried 10 percent more coal, transporting 599 million tons. China’s status as a net importer of coal in the first half was the result of “government policies to discourage exports and encourage imports, and because of the appreciation of the yuan,” the commission said in the statement.
The government controls electricity prices to limit their impact on inflation. The nation has a system that allows power producers to pass on higher costs when the price of coal rises more than 5 percent over a six-month period. “China’s electricity price mechanism doesn’t fully reflect the relationship of demand and supply and the scarcity of resources,” the commission said. The country needs a more market-oriented system for electricity prices, it said.
Chinese coal prices are expected to rise next year as a result of supply pressures, the Ministry of Land and Resources said in a report published on its website. It did not give an estimated figure for the price of coal in 2008. Citing research by the China Coal Distribution and Marketing Association, the Ministry said that in order to curb overheating in the industry, the approval of new coal mining projects has been severely restricted. The Ministry issued a notice in February suspending all new applications for mining licenses throughout the country. A campaign to close down small and unlicensed mines has also had a significant effect on supplies, the Ministry said.Although the government’s ‘macroeconomic control’ measures are likely to cut coal demand from other industries, the state will introduce measures aimed at increasing the collection of resource taxes, which will also put pressure on the price of coal.
By the end of 2010, there will be a national coal shortage of around 100 mln tons, the report said. A report released earlier this month by Credit Suisse predicted that China would become a net coal importer by 2010, with output increases by state-owned miners unable to keep up with increasing demand. Transportation problems, as well as increased capital expenditure costs, would also keep the domestic price of coal at a relatively high level over the next few years, Credit Suisse said.
China’s government said coal supply and demand will reach a “balance” in the second half of this year as mining companies expand output faster than power producers and steelmakers increase their requirements. Demand growth in the second-half of this year will rise at a slower pace, the National Development and Reform Commission, China’s top economic planner, said in a statement on its Web site Monday. Supply will be less tight than in the six months ended June, the Beijing-based commission said. China’s energy use will rise by about 4 percent annually to the equivalent of 2.7 billion tons of standard coal by 2010, the government said in April. The country turned a net importer of coal in January for the first time as economic growth increased demand. About 78 percent of its electricity comes from coal. “A lot of coal production capacity will come on stream this year and next,” the commission said in the statement. “Capacity gains will outpace demand increases.”
Coal producers increased output by 10 percent in the first half to 1.26 billion metric tons, while demand gained 12 percent to 1.263 billion tons, the commission said. Railroads carried 10 percent more coal, transporting 599 million tons. China’s status as a net importer of coal in the first half was the result of “government policies to discourage exports and encourage imports, and because of the appreciation of the yuan,” the commission said in the statement.
The government controls electricity prices to limit their impact on inflation. The nation has a system that allows power producers to pass on higher costs when the price of coal rises more than 5 percent over a six-month period. “China’s electricity price mechanism doesn’t fully reflect the relationship of demand and supply and the scarcity of resources,” the commission said. The country needs a more market-oriented system for electricity prices, it said.
Chinese coal prices are expected to rise next year as a result of supply pressures, the Ministry of Land and Resources said in a report published on its website. It did not give an estimated figure for the price of coal in 2008. Citing research by the China Coal Distribution and Marketing Association, the Ministry said that in order to curb overheating in the industry, the approval of new coal mining projects has been severely restricted. The Ministry issued a notice in February suspending all new applications for mining licenses throughout the country. A campaign to close down small and unlicensed mines has also had a significant effect on supplies, the Ministry said.Although the government’s ‘macroeconomic control’ measures are likely to cut coal demand from other industries, the state will introduce measures aimed at increasing the collection of resource taxes, which will also put pressure on the price of coal.
By the end of 2010, there will be a national coal shortage of around 100 mln tons, the report said. A report released earlier this month by Credit Suisse predicted that China would become a net coal importer by 2010, with output increases by state-owned miners unable to keep up with increasing demand. Transportation problems, as well as increased capital expenditure costs, would also keep the domestic price of coal at a relatively high level over the next few years, Credit Suisse said.
Anthracite Coal: Find Trade Partners Today
MICer asked:
Anthracite coal or any other commodity can be very expensive when bought through third parties. For merchants all around the world trying to sell products efficiently, as well as get a leg up on the competition, one way to do so is with the help of Made in China. Made in China is one of the most popular businesses online that offer merchants around the world the tools and resources to conduct efficient and affordable overseas trade. Here is some more information on how Made in China can assist your business in connecting with suppliers and manufacturers from Asia.
Made in China Can Help Your Business Connect with Trading Partners
Made in China is a business to business, E-commerce marketing platform that connects merchants with suppliers and manufacturers of anthracite coal or almost any other product available. Made in China is not only extremely quick, convenient and easy to use, it also works. Millions of businesses have joined Made in China over the past few years and today, it boasts a current membership that exceeds 5 million. With so many businesses as members, it is easy for almost any company whether it is a one person operation or a multi national corporation to find quality suppliers and manufacturers of the products that they require.
Powerful Tools and Resource at Hand
One of the ways that Made in China can help you find trade partners for anthracite coal or any other product is by the list of powerful tools and resources that they offer. Not only is their B2B E-commerce marketing platform extremely robust, but with other tools that are offered, you can delve deep into a company or a product to ensure that there is a good fit with your needs before you make the first connection. In addition, Made in China is committed to creating a safe, secure and community environment making connecting not only easy, but extremely efficient. Where it used to cost lots of money and time to find and make quality connections, with Made in China, it can now be done in minutes.
Join Made in China for Free
With Made in China, you not only receive a robust marketing platform to make quality connections, but a wide variety of tools to assist you in making your overseas trade productive and affordable. In addition, for those that are looking to trade anthracite coal or almost any other item, Made in China offers premium services such as trade consultancy.
No matter what you are trading, our service can help and today we offer free membership. There has never been a better time to sign up and join Made in China.
Anthracite coal or any other commodity can be very expensive when bought through third parties. For merchants all around the world trying to sell products efficiently, as well as get a leg up on the competition, one way to do so is with the help of Made in China. Made in China is one of the most popular businesses online that offer merchants around the world the tools and resources to conduct efficient and affordable overseas trade. Here is some more information on how Made in China can assist your business in connecting with suppliers and manufacturers from Asia.
Made in China Can Help Your Business Connect with Trading Partners
Made in China is a business to business, E-commerce marketing platform that connects merchants with suppliers and manufacturers of anthracite coal or almost any other product available. Made in China is not only extremely quick, convenient and easy to use, it also works. Millions of businesses have joined Made in China over the past few years and today, it boasts a current membership that exceeds 5 million. With so many businesses as members, it is easy for almost any company whether it is a one person operation or a multi national corporation to find quality suppliers and manufacturers of the products that they require.
Powerful Tools and Resource at Hand
One of the ways that Made in China can help you find trade partners for anthracite coal or any other product is by the list of powerful tools and resources that they offer. Not only is their B2B E-commerce marketing platform extremely robust, but with other tools that are offered, you can delve deep into a company or a product to ensure that there is a good fit with your needs before you make the first connection. In addition, Made in China is committed to creating a safe, secure and community environment making connecting not only easy, but extremely efficient. Where it used to cost lots of money and time to find and make quality connections, with Made in China, it can now be done in minutes.
Join Made in China for Free
With Made in China, you not only receive a robust marketing platform to make quality connections, but a wide variety of tools to assist you in making your overseas trade productive and affordable. In addition, for those that are looking to trade anthracite coal or almost any other item, Made in China offers premium services such as trade consultancy.
No matter what you are trading, our service can help and today we offer free membership. There has never been a better time to sign up and join Made in China.
Coal Makes a Comeback
Samuel Martin asked:
The United States is returning to coal to generate electricity. Long-dormant mines are being reopened to gather coal, which generates most of the electricity in the country. Why is coal once again such an important resource?
* Abundance of supply and demand. Currently, 51 percent of the electricity in the United States is generated by coal power and demand for coal is increasing. In the next 25 years, demand for electricity is expected to increase more than 50 percent. Meeting this demand will require that an average of 65 new power plants be built each year.
Fortunately, the United States contains 274 billion tons of coal that can be used to produce energy for homes and businesses. The coal in the United States could last for 250 years, much longer than either oil or natural gas, and has been proven a recoverable reserve.
* A clean energy source. Coal as a clean energy source? How can that be? Between 1976 and 1993, 38 coal technology projects known as Clean Coal Technology, were conducted. One such technology is a NOX (nitrogen oxide) burner, which is currently used or being installed in three-fourths of power plants that use coal. The result of these
technologies was a decrease in emissions from coal-generated electricity. Between 1980 and 2001, emissions of sulfur dioxide decreased 38 percent. Nitrogen oxide emissions decreased 32 percent and emissions from particulate matter (PM-10), a mixture of solid and liquid particles found in the air, dropped 25 percent.
* Affordability. The cost of electricity allows businesses to remain competitive. Businesses spend less on transportation and generation costs with coal than with natural gas or oil. Coal never needs to be shipped across the whole country because mines are located throughout the United States. Furthermore, the cost of coal-generated electricity is approximately one-fourth that of electricity generated by gas, partly because the cost of coal is more stable than natural gas. As a result, more businesses are turning to coal as a source of power.
Quest Minerals and Mining (OTC BB: QMMG.OB) has acquired and re-opened mines in the southeastern United States that were closed due to a downturn in the price of coal. The company’s focus is on properties that produce quality compliance coal. In addition to selling coal to utilities and industries, Quest is seeking metallurgical coal to be used in steel production.
The United States is returning to coal to generate electricity. Long-dormant mines are being reopened to gather coal, which generates most of the electricity in the country. Why is coal once again such an important resource?
* Abundance of supply and demand. Currently, 51 percent of the electricity in the United States is generated by coal power and demand for coal is increasing. In the next 25 years, demand for electricity is expected to increase more than 50 percent. Meeting this demand will require that an average of 65 new power plants be built each year.
Fortunately, the United States contains 274 billion tons of coal that can be used to produce energy for homes and businesses. The coal in the United States could last for 250 years, much longer than either oil or natural gas, and has been proven a recoverable reserve.
* A clean energy source. Coal as a clean energy source? How can that be? Between 1976 and 1993, 38 coal technology projects known as Clean Coal Technology, were conducted. One such technology is a NOX (nitrogen oxide) burner, which is currently used or being installed in three-fourths of power plants that use coal. The result of these
technologies was a decrease in emissions from coal-generated electricity. Between 1980 and 2001, emissions of sulfur dioxide decreased 38 percent. Nitrogen oxide emissions decreased 32 percent and emissions from particulate matter (PM-10), a mixture of solid and liquid particles found in the air, dropped 25 percent.
* Affordability. The cost of electricity allows businesses to remain competitive. Businesses spend less on transportation and generation costs with coal than with natural gas or oil. Coal never needs to be shipped across the whole country because mines are located throughout the United States. Furthermore, the cost of coal-generated electricity is approximately one-fourth that of electricity generated by gas, partly because the cost of coal is more stable than natural gas. As a result, more businesses are turning to coal as a source of power.
Quest Minerals and Mining (OTC BB: QMMG.OB) has acquired and re-opened mines in the southeastern United States that were closed due to a downturn in the price of coal. The company’s focus is on properties that produce quality compliance coal. In addition to selling coal to utilities and industries, Quest is seeking metallurgical coal to be used in steel production.
A New Beginning for Coal
Samuel Martin asked:
Because after years of mine shutdowns and declining prices, the coal industry is making a prosperous return.
In the early 1900s, coal was the nation’s major fuel source, supplying almost 90 percent of its energy needs, according to the Department of Energy.
When the cleaner, more efficient petroleum and natural gas came into play, the demand for coal declined. Today, nearly 55 percent of the nation’s electricity is generated using coal, and the numbers are growing, according to the World Coal Institute.
Even though perceptions of the coal industry have changed dramatically over the years, coal maintains its vital role in the world’s energy mix for many reasons. It is easy and safe to transport, it remains far cheaper than natural gas, and it is abundantly available.
But it wasn’t until natural gas prices shot up and California was held back by blackouts that the coal industry took center stage. For decades, it seemed to be dying. But with easing of pollution controls, the Bush Administration began to establish the groundwork for a resurgence of coal-fired power across the nation.
In 1999, natural gas was the most expensive fossil fuel, petroleum was second and coal was the least expensive, according to the Department of Energy. Although the cost of generating electricity from coal has increased through the years, it is still lower than the cost of generating electricity from either natural gas or petroleum.
As for cleaner air, coal has long been unpopular with environmentalists who argue the fossil fuel produces the greatest amount of mercury and carbon dioxide emission, associated with global warming. Current energy bills, however, propose clean coal power initiatives, which would implement high-tech ways to reduce pollution when electricity is generated from coal.
Today, mines that were closed in the 1990s after a downturn in coal prices are being reopened in Southeastern United States. Quest Minerals and Mining (OTC BB: QMMG.OB) is acquiring and reopening properties that produce coal in compliance with Clean Air Act requirements. According to Quest, coal emitting less than 1.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million BTU, commonly referred to as “low-sulfur coal” is currently trading at more than $50 per ton.
Because after years of mine shutdowns and declining prices, the coal industry is making a prosperous return.
In the early 1900s, coal was the nation’s major fuel source, supplying almost 90 percent of its energy needs, according to the Department of Energy.
When the cleaner, more efficient petroleum and natural gas came into play, the demand for coal declined. Today, nearly 55 percent of the nation’s electricity is generated using coal, and the numbers are growing, according to the World Coal Institute.
Even though perceptions of the coal industry have changed dramatically over the years, coal maintains its vital role in the world’s energy mix for many reasons. It is easy and safe to transport, it remains far cheaper than natural gas, and it is abundantly available.
But it wasn’t until natural gas prices shot up and California was held back by blackouts that the coal industry took center stage. For decades, it seemed to be dying. But with easing of pollution controls, the Bush Administration began to establish the groundwork for a resurgence of coal-fired power across the nation.
In 1999, natural gas was the most expensive fossil fuel, petroleum was second and coal was the least expensive, according to the Department of Energy. Although the cost of generating electricity from coal has increased through the years, it is still lower than the cost of generating electricity from either natural gas or petroleum.
As for cleaner air, coal has long been unpopular with environmentalists who argue the fossil fuel produces the greatest amount of mercury and carbon dioxide emission, associated with global warming. Current energy bills, however, propose clean coal power initiatives, which would implement high-tech ways to reduce pollution when electricity is generated from coal.
Today, mines that were closed in the 1990s after a downturn in coal prices are being reopened in Southeastern United States. Quest Minerals and Mining (OTC BB: QMMG.OB) is acquiring and reopening properties that produce coal in compliance with Clean Air Act requirements. According to Quest, coal emitting less than 1.2 pounds of sulfur dioxide per million BTU, commonly referred to as “low-sulfur coal” is currently trading at more than $50 per ton.
Coal Reduces Reliance on Foreign Oil
Samuel Martin asked:
But there is an abundant, low-cost energy source located throughout the country. That energy source is coal.
After years of mine shutdowns, there is a renewed interest in coal in the United States. Companies such as Quest Minerals and Mining Corp. are now reopening mines and resuming coal production.
There are 274 billion tons of coal in mines across the country. That amount of coal could last the United States for about 250 years, considering that the average American uses 7,000 pounds of coal each year. Using this resource decreases dependence of foreign oil and stimulates the economy in several ways.
First, coal stimulates the American economy by maintaining and creating jobs for people that work in the mines and in coal transportation. For each of the four major freight rail lines, coal represents at least 40 percent of the total tonnage hauled each year. Many people are dependent on coal for their livelihood and will remain so if Americans increase their use of coal as an energy source.
Moreover, because coal is a domestic resource, the cost of transporting it is much lower than the cost of importing oil from other nations. Transportation costs of coal are also lower because there are more options for transporting coal from one place to another. Coal is carried by barge and by train.
Using coal is beneficial for more than just jobs and reducing transportation costs. The abundance of coal allows the price to remain stable, unlike oil prices in the volatile Middle East. Commodities like coal, whose costs remain stable or decrease, keep inflation low. Low inflation rates allow Americans to be confident that their savings and investments are safe.
Another major benefit of coal power is the cost of electricity generated by coal. Generation of coal power costs one-fourth that of natural gas power generation. Businesses using coal power keep their overhead costs low and maximize profitability. Furthermore, coal is used to generate electricity for telecommunications, computers and all other electric-based technologies that boost the American economy.
The benefits of coal power make it a logical choice for the power source of the future of the United States.
But there is an abundant, low-cost energy source located throughout the country. That energy source is coal.
After years of mine shutdowns, there is a renewed interest in coal in the United States. Companies such as Quest Minerals and Mining Corp. are now reopening mines and resuming coal production.
There are 274 billion tons of coal in mines across the country. That amount of coal could last the United States for about 250 years, considering that the average American uses 7,000 pounds of coal each year. Using this resource decreases dependence of foreign oil and stimulates the economy in several ways.
First, coal stimulates the American economy by maintaining and creating jobs for people that work in the mines and in coal transportation. For each of the four major freight rail lines, coal represents at least 40 percent of the total tonnage hauled each year. Many people are dependent on coal for their livelihood and will remain so if Americans increase their use of coal as an energy source.
Moreover, because coal is a domestic resource, the cost of transporting it is much lower than the cost of importing oil from other nations. Transportation costs of coal are also lower because there are more options for transporting coal from one place to another. Coal is carried by barge and by train.
Using coal is beneficial for more than just jobs and reducing transportation costs. The abundance of coal allows the price to remain stable, unlike oil prices in the volatile Middle East. Commodities like coal, whose costs remain stable or decrease, keep inflation low. Low inflation rates allow Americans to be confident that their savings and investments are safe.
Another major benefit of coal power is the cost of electricity generated by coal. Generation of coal power costs one-fourth that of natural gas power generation. Businesses using coal power keep their overhead costs low and maximize profitability. Furthermore, coal is used to generate electricity for telecommunications, computers and all other electric-based technologies that boost the American economy.
The benefits of coal power make it a logical choice for the power source of the future of the United States.