Coal due to its relatively large quantities and wide distribution worldwide has generated renewed interest in research and development with the aim of establishing coal conversion technologies that are technically reliable, environmentally and economically feasible. It has proved to be a prominent energy source in emerging markets with increasing energy demand by accounting for the largest increase in the demand of energy amongst all other energy sources. Furthermore, with its higher mesophase content, coal tar is an appropriate raw material for precursors in the production of carbon fiber. However, whenever a material is put to use, it is important to be able to associate its properties to the behavioral characteristics during a conversion process so as to have a basis for opting for the material in a given process or adjusting the operating conditions in order to optimize the material utilization. Therefore, as with any other material, it is important to be able to relate the properties of coal to its utilization. A review was carried out on the influence of coal properties on four main utilization technologies: gasification, carbonization, liquefaction and carbon fibre production. Among several properties rank, type, mineral matter content, distribution of trace elements, structural composition and pore structure were found to be most influential on the behavior of coal during conversion processes.

The widespread occurrence and availability of coal makes it the world’s prime source of energy for different end use applications. Coal is commonly used for electricity production through coal combustion. However, many researchers have indicated that coal combustion is a prime contributor to emission of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. During combustion gaseous elements such as sulfur, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen react with oxygen to produce their respective oxides. These oxides contribute to global warming, air and water pollution as well as acid deposition. Emission of these oxides and their effect on the environment has resulted in increased interest in clean coal technologies. Clean coal technologies, such as coal gasification technology, use multiple technologies to control the emissions so as to minimize environmental effects from coal utilization.In this paper, the characteristics of Morupule coal from the south and east main sections are determined to establish its suitability for gasification. The characterization was conducted using thermal analysis (Thermogravimetric Analyzer) and an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). Numerical simulation was also carried out using Ansys software for species transport. The samples proved the coal to be from a high ash and sulfur content and medium volatiles bituminous parent rock, whilst species transport revealed a sufficient syngas yield per kilogram of coal for downstream processes.