Evolving Utilization of Solid Energy Fuels (EUSEF)

The EUSEF project includes Energy Resources Program (ERP) tasks in the Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center (GEMSC) and the Central Energy Resources Science Center (CERSC):

Critical Elements in U.S. Energy Resources

Task Lead: Denise Levitan (GEMSC)

Critical minerals, including rare earth elements (REEs), are needed for many modern technologies central to American prosperity and security. The U.S. is heavily import-reliant for REEs, so there is significant interest in strengthening the domestic supply of REEs and other critical minerals to achieve American energy dominance. Certain occurrences of coal, coal byproducts, coal wastes, and uranium are enriched in REEs and are therefore being investigated for their potential as REE resources. The objective of this task is to provide detailed information on solid energy resources and byproducts as potential sources of critical minerals.

Energy Fuel Resources Geologic Maps and Interpretive Products

Task Lead: Mike Trippi (GEMSC)

The study of regional geologic features associated with energy resources is an important component in furthering our understanding and knowledge of the Nation's vast energy endowment. The creation and compilation of maps and interpretive products, such as geologic cross-sections, contribute to that understanding by helping to delineate the extent, distribution, quantity, and quality of the Nation's energy resources. These products often provide data that were previously unavailable on a national scale. The objective of this task is to provide updated or new interpretations of regional geologic trends and stratigraphy associated with the Nation's energy resources, including a series of regional geologic cross-sections through the Appalachian Basin with the construction of a cross-section of well logs extending from the Appalachian Plateau Province to the Valley and Ridge Province.

Impacts of Energy Resources Extraction, Transport, and Use

Task Lead: Matthew Varonka (GEMSC)

This task addresses both beneficial and challenging aspects resulting from continued and past use of coal. These aspects include: 1) coal quality, and the benefits of coal preparation in reducing harmful pollutants in addition to providing clean coal to power American prosperity;  2) transport and fate of organic and inorganic contaminants during storage and disposal of coal and coal byproducts, including wastes from clean coal preparation; 3) beneficial uses of coal and coal ash, including use of coal ash for neutralization of acidic drainage from coal mines; and 4) impact of coal transfer, transport, shipping and distribution, including coal transfer for export. Work on this task is done in conjunction with the Eastern Energy and Environmental Laboratory, Advancements in Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology of Energy Resources Project, and the Energy Lifecycle Integrated Science Team.

Trace Elements as Indicators of Paleo-environmental Conditions and Source Rock Potential

Task Lead: Clint Scott (GEMSC)

Petroleum source rock potential is closely related to the paleoceanographic characteristics of the depositional environment, including oxidation/reduction (redox) conditions and related biogeochemical cycling of major, minor, and trace elements by diverse microbial communities. Source rock characterization has traditionally relied upon a suite of trace metal proxies that are largely based on thermodynamic predictions. The objective of this task is to develop a suite of new trace metal proxies that we can use to characterize the depositional environments of source rocks. These new proxies will be informed by current research on the biogeochemical cycling of trace metals in modern marine environments and are of potential interest for the oil and gas industry, as well as economic geologists investigating sedimentary ore deposits.

Data Management

Task Lead: Joe East (GEMSC)

In addition to maintaining compliance with data management policies and initiatives, this task provides a central administrative repository for existing solid energy fuel data, ensuring that these valuable USGS database products will continue to be available to interested users. Products, including the National Coal Resources Data System (NCRDS), the World Coal Quality Inventory (WoCQI), and Geographic Information System coal fields mapping are available to all those seeking information on our Nation’s vast energy resources.

U.S. Coal Resources and Reserves Assessments

Task Lead: Michelle Johnston (CERSC)

To help formulate policy for Federal, State, and local energy and land use, the USGS is conducting regional-scale assessments of coal resources and reserves in major coal basins in the United States, including those on Federal lands. The principal objective of the USGS Coal Resources and Reserves Assessment task is to conduct regional-scale coal resource and coal reserve assessments of major coal beds in the U.S. and continue ongoing assessments of coal resources and reserves on a regional basis for the country's major coal provinces. Additional emphasis is placed on coal basins that are currently economically relevant and that may have resources that can be utilized in the future to produce metallurgical coal, coal export products, or emerging alternative uses for coal.

Rock Mechanics Database for Coal (CERSC)

Task Lead: Paul Pierce

Rock mechanics data are used for ground control calculations by governmental agencies, consultants, and the coal mining industry to determine proper mining methods and required roof and rib control techniques to insure safe and productive mining operations. This task is focused on compiling a consolidated rock mechanics database for coal that will provide a useful and much-needed product to anybody involved in ground control studies and provide an additional data source for those responsible for keeping the Nation's coal mines safe and productive.