State Representative Jim Struzzi is touting a Conemaugh Township development that has great potential in the energy sector using re-purposed waste coal and acid mine drainage. A pilot site operated by Firepoint Energy, Incorporated will utilize “plasma gasification” technology to turn waste coal into clean synthetic jet fuel.
Based in Punxsutawney, Firepoint is currently seeking investors. The company in October announced the project in Tunnelton, leasing 100 acres that it intends to redevelop to extract lithium, salt, and other minerals from the brine water emitted by natural gas wells. It will also eliminate a four-million ton pile of waste coal. In all, Firepoint says the site could produce two tons of lithium annually and the plasma gasification technology will produce hydrogen for possible use in a “hydrogen hub.”
Representative Struzzi says that once fully operational, the site will be working seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with 50 full-time employees.
