134 Electrical Power Systems Technology
volving several different steps.Coal gasification may be one solution to the problem of our depleting
natural gas supply. Since some electrical power systems use natural gas as
the fuel, we should be concerned about coal gasification as an alternative
method to aid in the production of electrical power.
OIL-SHALE FUEL-PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Another method which should be mentioned as an alternative meth-
od that could aid in the production of electrical energy is fuel from oil shale.
There is a potential fuel source located at the oil-shale deposits which exist
primarily in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. This oil shale was formed by
a process similar to that which created crude petroleum. However, there
was never enough underground heat or pressure to convert the organ-
ic sediment to the same consistency as oil. Instead, a waxy hydrocarbon
called kerogen was produced. This compound is mixed with fine rock and
is referred to as oil shale.
Extracting crude petroleum from this substance is a very complex
process that starts with either underground or strip mining. The mined
rock is crushed and then heated to produce a raw oil, which, in turn, must
be upgraded to a usable level. All of these operations could take place at
the mining site. In addition, large amounts of shale waste must be removed.
The resulting waste substance is about the consistency and color of fire-
place soot. The waste occupies more volume than the original oil-shale
formations. The potential impact of oil-shale development is questionable.
Vast quantities of land might be disturbed. There are definitely many fac-
tors to consider in addition to our energy needs.
ALTERNATIVE NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
A unique concept in electrical power production, considered in the
1970s, was called a floating nuclear power plant. Floating nuclear plants were
proposed to be nuclear-fission plants mounted on huge floating platforms
for operation on the water. These systems were planned for use on the
Atlantic Ocean. Breakwaters would surround the power plant to protect
it from waves and ship collisions. These units could be located on rivers,