Abstract
The fixed-bed dry bottom (FBDB) gasification technology is ideal for countries with no oil and gas resources but instead have low-rank coals. This technology cannot only provide a secure energy source using high-ash coals but can also in combination with Fischer−Tropsch synthesis be among those technologies able to convert carbonaceous solids to transportation fuels. The integration of refining tar products from FBDB coal gasification with products from the low-temperature Fischer−Tropsch (LTFT) process provides unique opportunities to produce final on-specification fuels."
So, "low-rank" and "high-ash" coals can, through Sasol's coal liquefaction technology, "provide a secure energy source" for those "countries with no oil and gas resources".
A little energy, liquid fuel, security would be kind of nice, wouldn't it?
And, note: It's not just "low-rank coals", a term which could be applied to some older West Virginia coal mine waste accumulations, that can be profitably converted into liquid fuels; but, as we have many times documented, other "carbonaceous solids", as well. Such materials could include, as other researchers we've cited for you have indicated, renewable and carbon-recycling substances as diverse as sawdust and sewer plant sludge