U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center

Advanced Coal Technology

Abundant coal resources and widespread use are central to the energy systems and growth aspirations of the U.S. and China. This presents both challenges and opportunities for our two countries in environmental performance and commercial development. The Advanced Coal Technology consortium addresses technology and practices for advanced coal utilization and carbon capture, utilization, and storage. Joint research is conducted in the following areas: advanced power generation, clean coal conversion technology, pre-combustion capture, post-combustion capture, oxy-combustion capture, CO₂ sequestration, CO₂ utilization, simulation and assessment, and communication and integration. Dr. Jerald Fletcher from West Virginia University leads the U.S. consortium. Dr. Zheng Chuguang of Huazhong University of Science and Technology leads the China consortium.

These two Advanced Coal Technology Consortia (collectively, the CERC-ACTC) are implementing a five-year Joint Work Plan (English PDF Chinese PDF) to significantly advance technology in the area of clean coal, including carbon capture, utilization, and storage, in both China and the United States.

U.S. and Chinese officials agreed to a Technology Management Plan (TMP) regarding intellectual property rights. The Agreement (English PDF Chinese PDF) protects American and Chinese research, scientists, and engineers by ensuring their intellectual property rights for the technology they create.