Capturing Pioneer Plant Experience

This study addresses the need for and benefits of information from pioneer synthetic fuel projects. As first-of-a-kind commercial plants, the first set of synfuel technology projects will generate experience and information that will be valuable to firms contemplating investments in subsequent plants using these technologies. The major findings of the study are: (1) Pioneer synfuel projects will probably yield experience and information that will be vital to firms deciding to invest in and build subsequent plants. (2) The characteristics of pioneer synfuel projects make it likely that much information will be preserved, especially in the short term. (3) Not all valuable pioneer project information is routinely collected and maintained. (4) Because of the way most firms collect and maintain project information, some information that is important for interpreting pioneer project experience will be lost. (5) A systematic information collection system can substantially increase the public and private value of the pioneer synfuel projects. (6) Such a system does not require government access or centralized storage.