The direct and indirect energy costs of coal transport by alternative bulk commodity modes

Abstract

A framework for analysis is presented which is applied to the quantification of the energy costs associated with bulk commodity transportation modes. Energy costs considered included direct operating costs, indirect costs for goods, capital and services and an estimation of natural system impacts. In particular, the total energy costs per unit of coal energy delivered by the alternative means of barges, railroads, pipelines and high-voltage transmission lines were evaluated.