Though the chemistry and industrial processes for coal
gasification were developed early in the 20th century by
European scientists, Chinese engineers have recently developed a
number of technical advances. And more efficient processes means
using less coal to produce more chemicals. Near Xilinhot, in
eastern Inner Mongolia, China is testing a gasification process
that doesn’t need a plant at all, but instead collects hot gases
produced from an underground coal seam that was deliberately set
on fire. The experimental “in-situ” coal-gasification practice
has proven so efficient—using less coal and saving the water
needed for coal mining and processing—that China has approved
three additional demonstration projects across the northern and
western regions. Graphic by Season Schafer, Greg Hudson, Valerie
Carnevale, Chelsea Kardokus, and Vicki Rosenberger,
undergraduate students at Ball State University.