Prompted by the shortage of crude oil some countries, especially the Federal Republic of Germany, are trying to find an answer to the question which processes will be capable of substituting products recovered from crude oil by upgrading coal. In this connection outline information is given on processes for coal solvent extraction, coal hydrogenation, hydrogenation of carbon monoxide and for coal gasification. Based on experience gained in Germany particularly during World War II, only South Africa and the USA have achieved advancements in this line in recent years.
