Coal Research in Poland

Current Activities and Future Needs

Abstract

Coal has an exceptional position in the Polish economy both as a major indigenous source of energy and an important raw material for chemical and carbon industries. This review outlines the current situation and prospects in production and utilization of solid fossil fuels in Poland. Principal research centers dealing with science and technology of coal and related materials are presented. Some recent research activities in the field are summarized, particularly concerning fundamental studies on the structure and properties of coal, metallurgical coke manufacture, clean coal technologies, coal liquefaction, and the use of coal and its derivatives as precursors of carbon materials.