PETROL FROM COAL

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 49, 26 August 1933, Page 23

PETROL FROM COAL

BIG PLANT TO BE ERECTED

Details of a big new plant to be:built by Imperial Chemical Industries at Bil-liugham-on:Tees,' Co., Durham, fipr -making petrol from coal have been given by Sir Harry MeGpwan, chairman of the company. " The" building of the ' plant has been made possible by the decision of. the, Government to guarantee a preference of at least 4d a gallon, to Bri-.tisli-producecL.petrol. Sir Harry McGowan said that Imperial Chemical Industries have- conducted research on the hydrogenation of< coal, tar, .and other materials for six years. In view of the"Government's undertaking the directors had authorised a scheme for the erection of a large commercial plant; at--the- company's ■ vcorks, Billingham, .where.special facilities are available. "An initialoutput.of 100,000 tons a year of first-grade petrol is aimed at by processing 400 tons of coal a day, and using altogether about 1000 tons a day •of; coal," he added.. "The operation of the plant will give permanent direct employment to 2500 miners and other .workers, as well as much, indirect employment. The construction of the : plant'itself, estimated to take about one and- a-half years, will,call for much activity.'in the iron and steel and heavy industries. Seven thousand men. will 'find'direct employment during this period,, aad it is expected that there will be indirect employment, for a further 5000 men. Tho necessary new!;capital of about £2,500,000 sterling will be furnished by Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., from their own resources, which are.ample.for the enterprise) and for the general business of the company."