Alternative Fuels:
Potential of Methanol as a Boiler or Turbine Fuel
RCED-86-136FS: Published: Apr 4, 1986. Publicly Released: Apr 4, 1986.
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Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the potential for using methanol as a fuel for producing energy from stationary sources, such as boilers and gas turbines.
GAO found that methanol is not economically viable as a boiler fuel at present because: (1) it is extremely costly; (2) it has a lower thermal efficiency than other boiler fuels; and (3) fossil fuels are relatively plentiful. Methanol has been tested, but not commercially demonstrated, as a fuel that could be used in a two-stage boiler combustion system to reduce pollutant emissions. GAO also found that: (1) methanol has technical advantages over other gas turbine fuels; (2) while methanol is more expensive than other turbine fuels, it may become more attractive than other fuels because it creates fewer pollutants; and (3) methanol may be a potential standby fuel for gas turbines during fuel supply disruptions. In addition, GAO found that: (1) it could be cheaper to produce methanol in coal gasification plants because the gas such plants produce is chemically similar to that used to produce methanol; and (2) a combination of technical and cost factors prevent the widespread use of coal and methanol mixtures as boiler fuel.
Apr 18, 2018
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Gas Pipeline Safety:
Stakeholders' and Officials' Views on Federal Odorizing RequirementsGAO-18-409: Published: Apr 18, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 18, 2018.
Apr 5, 2018
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Coal Mine Reclamation:
Federal and State Agencies Face Challenges in Managing Billions in Financial AssurancesGAO-18-305: Published: Mar 6, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 5, 2018.
Mar 20, 2018
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Nuclear Regulatory Commission:
Additional Action Needed to Improve Process for Billing LicenseesGAO-18-318: Published: Mar 8, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 20, 2018.
Mar 14, 2018
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Department of Energy:
Continued Actions Needed to Address Management ChallengesGAO-18-438T: Published: Mar 14, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 14, 2018.
Feb 28, 2018
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Department of Energy:
New Process to Review Financial Assistance for Research Projects Created UncertaintyGAO-18-278: Published: Feb 28, 2018. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 2018.
Feb 16, 2018
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Nuclear Weapons:
NNSA Should Clarify Long-Term Uranium Enrichment Mission Needs and Improve Technology Cost EstimatesGAO-18-126: Published: Feb 16, 2018. Publicly Released: Feb 16, 2018.
Feb 6, 2018
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Department of Energy:
Continued Actions Needed to Modernize Nuclear Infrastructure and Address Management ChallengesGAO-18-374T: Published: Feb 6, 2018. Publicly Released: Feb 6, 2018.
Jan 30, 2018
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Nuclear Weapons:
NNSA Should Adopt Additional Best Practices to Better Manage Risk for Life Extension ProgramsGAO-18-129: Published: Jan 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Jan 30, 2018.
Dec 7, 2017
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Electricity Markets:
Four Regions Use Capacity Markets to Help Ensure Adequate Resources, but FERC Has Not Fully Assessed Their PerformanceGAO-18-131: Published: Dec 7, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 7, 2017.
Nov 14, 2017
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Nuclear Weapons:
NNSA Needs to Determine Critical Skills and Competencies for Its Strategic Materials ProgramsGAO-18-99: Published: Nov 14, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 14, 2017.
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