To promote and pursue research, development and demonstration programs, and targeted incentives for the development of advanced coal technologies which will lead to the cost-effective and environmentally superior use of coal.

Purpose of the Coal Utilization Research Council

The Coal Utilization Research Council supports the use of coal in the United States and worldwide and advocates the formation of credible and effective partnerships between industry and government to pursue the development of technologies that will enable coal to be used economically, efficiently and in an environmentally compatible manner.

Disseminate Technology Roadmap

The CURC has developed, in coordination with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), an agreed upon statement (or "roadmap") that specifically addresses the importance of the economic, efficient and environmentally-friendly use of coal. Underscoring the importance of coal as a vital component of the energy mix for the U.S. and the world, the roadmap identifies the research, development and demonstration (RD&D) objectives necessary for coal to maintain its place in the nations energy mix. Importantly, CURC and EPRI use a "portfolio" approach and advocate several technology development "pathways" that should be pursued concurrently to achieve the roadmap goals.

Advocate for Government Support to Develop and Deploy
Advanced Coal Technologies

The Coal Utilization Research Council serves as an industry advocacy group that focuses on the technology development steps necessary to achieve near zero emissions from coal power generation and to support that development through sustained cooperative funding. CURC seeks federal financial support through targeted RD&D funding, as well as the adoption of tax incentives, or other financial mechanisms such as federal loan guarantees, to assist the commercial deployment of advanced coal technologies that will achieve the goals of the roadmap. Members collaborate on R&D programs, develop incentive programs and provide information to the Administration and to the Congress about the need for such initiatives. In the coming months, CURC will discuss with Congress how coal technologies must be developed if it is within the national will to regulate the emissions of carbon dioxide. It is within this capacity that the Council serves as an information body to support the use of efficient and environmentally-friendly technologies for the worldwide use of coal.

Participate with the U.S. Federal Government, the International
Community, and Interested Organizations in the Development of
Coal Technology RD&D Programs

The Coal Utilization Research Council seeks to participate with U.S. government agencies, such as the Department of Energy, the international community, and interested industry organizations in the formulation and prioritization of programs and policies that focus on research, development and commercial demonstration needs to achieve near zero emissions from coal use.