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FUEL TRANSPORTATION. MEETING THE GROWING DEMAND

The Carter Administration energy plan calls for annual coal production to be increased by roughly two-thirds to 1.1 billion tons by 1985. The railroads currently haul about 66% of the coal used by utilities. Assuming that they retained that share, they would be hauling about 725 million tons in 1985 compared to the current 442 million tons per year. By some calculations, the coal production goal would represent an average 8% increase per year over the projected 1977 level, which translates to an assumed annual increase in rail coal tonnage of 35 million tons per year. The ability of the nation's railroads to cope with this enormous increase in tonnage is discussed, noting the need for a great increase in the production of new 100-ton-capacity coal hopper cars. Also discussed are the advantages and responsibilities arising from ownership or leasing of coal cars by utilities. In addition, problems connected with the use of barges for coal transport are considered, including the need for new equipment and the presence of waterway constraints such as dams and locks. Finally, the need for the construction of new coal slurry pipelines is noted, as well as the problem of obtaining water rights needed for this mode of fuel transport.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Technical Publishing Corporation

    1301 South Grove Avenue
    Barrington, IL  United States  60010
  • Authors:
    • Rittenhouse, R C
  • Publication Date: 1977-7

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 48-56
  • Serial:
    • Power Engineering
    • Volume: 81
    • Issue Number: 7
    • Publisher: Technical Publishing Corporation

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00167561
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Engineering Index
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 13 1978 12:00AM