Tyonek considered as coal-to-liquid test site

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The village of Tyonek could be the first to experiment with a new clean energy project that would turn coal into a liquid fuel.

The developers of the new technology see Tyonek as the most cost-effective place to try it, because of its access to water and proximity to an international airport and Air Force base.

Accelergy Corp., based out of Massachusetts, introduced state lawmakers to the energy plan Wednesday.

The coal-to-liquid process works by changing the molecular structure of the coal, turning it into a cleaner, more efficient source of energy.  

“It's a terrific setup for a new industry coming in, having a ready-made market, and Anchorage International (Airport) is a strategic asset to the world because of the shipments and the freights that come from Asia,” said Accelergy’s Rocco Fiato.

It could take five years before Tyonek begins to produce CTL fuel. Accelergy is currently considering what it would take to do a small test in the state.

Contact Ashton Goodell at agoodell@ktuu.com